Abstract: A method includes forming a scaffold and seeding the scaffold with live cells; growing the cells in the scaffold; and 3D printing the cells into a living subject, where the cells continue to live in the living subject.

Abstract: Protein-based subretinal implants offer a new approach to restoring vision for patients blinded by conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The present invention relates to bacteriorhodopsin-based (BR-based) retinal implants that can be implanted in a subretinal position to replace degenerated photoreceptor cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a phototherapy eye device. In an example, the phototherapy eye device includes a number of radioluminescent light sources and an anchor. Each radioluminescent light source includes an interior chamber coated with phosphor material, such as zinc sulfide, and containing a radioisotope material, such as gaseous tritium. The volume, shape, phosphor material, and radioisotope material are selected for emission of light at a particular wavelength and delivering a particular irradiance on the retina (when implanted in an eyeball). The wavelength is in the range of 400 to 600 nm and the irradiance is substantially 109 to 1011 photons per second per cm2.

Abstract: A suspension system for suspending an intra-ocular lens in the lens capsule of an eye has one or more collapsible cavities formed in the suspension system, each having at least one opening communicating the interior of the cavity with fluid from the interior of the eye, wherein the walls of the cavity exhibit sufficient structural elasticity that they return to their habitual shapes after being compressed by external force.

Abstract: A method of folding and unfolding an active accommodating intraocular lens system includes folding an active lens element along at least one folding line. The at least one folding line is defined by mechanical indentations disposed on a perimeter of the active lens element, and a first pair of the mechanical indentations define terminal ends of a first folding line extending between the first pair of the mechanical indentations. The active lens element is then unfolded.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving overall vision in patients suffering from a loss of vision in a portion of the retina (e.g., loss of central vision) by providing symmetric or asymmetric optic with aspheric surface which redirects and/or focuses light incident on the eye at oblique angles onto a peripheral retinal location. The intraocular lens can include a redirection element (e.g., a prism, a diffractive element, or an optical component with a decentered GRIN profile) configured to direct incident light along a deflected optical axis and to focus an image at a location on the peripheral retina. Optical properties of the intraocular lens can be configured to improve or reduce peripheral errors at the location on the peripheral retina.

Abstract: Nasal implants are provided that have a planar type profile with open spaces through portions of the planar type profile. The nasal implant can be compressible along one or more dimensions of the nasal implant, such as the width and length of the planar type profile. Delivery tools for deploying the nasal implants within the nasal tissue are also provided. Methods for deploying the nasal implants within the nasal tissue of the patient are also provided.

Abstract: Prosthetic mitral valves and their methods of manufacture and use.

Abstract: A template for a valve construct for replacement of at least one of a mitral valve and a tricuspid valve includes at least an anterior leaflet portion and at least a posterior leaflet portion, each leaflet portion having a proximal edge, a distal edge, and side edges extending between the proximal edge and the distal edge. The template further includes a plurality of substantially straight elongated chordae portions each having a proximal end connected to the distal edge of one of the at least two leaflet portions and a distal end extending therefrom and one or more papillary muscle head portions formed at a commissure between distal ends of at least two of the plurality of chordae portions. A total width of the leaflet portions of the template is substantially equal to a circumference of a native annulus of a heart valve.

Abstract: Transcatheter stent valve implants and implants that preserve functional caliber of the left ventricle outflow tract, LVOT, and streamlined blood flow from left ventricular inflow to the LVOT. The implants have inflatable balloons that prevent regurgitation around the device and allow more accurate sizing and fit.

Abstract: A two-stage or component-based valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve comprises a support structure that is deployed at a treatment site. The prosthetic valve further comprises a valve member configured to be quickly connected to the support structure. The support structure may take the form of a stent that is expanded at the site of a native valve. If desired, the native leaflets may remain and the stent may be used to hold the native valve open. In this case, the stent may be balloon expandable and configured to resist the powerful recoil force of the native leaflets. The support structure is provided with a coupling means for attachment to the valve member, thereby fixing the position of the valve member in the body. The valve member may be a non-expandable type, or may be expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state.

Abstract: Prosthetic valves and methods of use of prosthetic valves may be provided. In one implementation, a method of releasing a prosthetic valve from a delivery capsule within a heart may be provided. The delivery capsule may include a distal capsule portion and a proximal capsule portion. The method may include moving the distal capsule portion in a first direction to release ventricular anchoring legs of the prosthetic valve from the delivery capsule and moving the released legs into contact with a native mitral valve. The method may include moving the proximal capsule portion in a second direction to release atrial anchoring arms of the prosthetic valve from the delivery capsule, after contacting the mitral valve with the released legs. The method may include moving the distal capsule portion in the first direction to release an annular valve body of the prosthetic valve from the delivery capsule.

Abstract: A delivery system for percutaneously deploying a prosthetic heart valve. The system includes an inner shaft assembly, a delivery sheath capsule and a handle maintaining a first actuator and a second actuator. The capsule is configured to compressively retain the prosthetic heart valve over the inner shaft assembly. The first actuator is operated to proximally retract the delivery sheath capsule and expose the prosthetic heart valve relative to the capsule. The second actuator is operated to proximally retract the prosthetic heart valve by transmitting forces to the inner shaft assembly.

Abstract: An annuloplasty implant is disclosed comprising first and second support members having a coiled configuration in which the first and second support members are arranged as a coil, with two free ends, around a central axis, wherein, in said coiled configuration, said two free ends are displaced from each other with a peripheral off-set distance extending in a coil plane, said coil plane being substantially parallel to an annular periphery of said coil and perpendicular to said central axis, wherein the first and second support members and the respective free ends are configured to be arranged on opposite sides of native heart valve leaflets of a heart valve. A method of implanting an annuloplasty implant at a target site in the heart is also disclosed.

Abstract: Bone reconstruction implants and systems comprising the implants are provided. The implants and systems find use in monitoring and/or modulating the health of a patient. The bone reconstruction implants may be contoured to conform to the surface contours of a bony defect and comprise one or more functional elements. The functional elements may be positioned within the bone reconstruction implant so as to maximize alignment or interaction with functional elements in implanted medical devices, internal anatomical features or external devices.

Abstract: In the present invention, stand-alone interbody spine implant for fusion of adjacent vertebrae is disclosed. In the preferred configuration, this implant includes one spacer which is placed between adjacent vertebrae and at least one pin/bar/fastener which attaches the spacer to the bones. The spacer includes channel(s) with various configurations which guide the pins/bars/fasteners through the spacer in order to penetrate into bone. The combination of pins/bars/fasteners and spacer together, provides fixation of the implant to bone and fuses the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the optimization of shoulder arthroplasty component design through the use of computed tomography scan data from arthritic shoulders.

Abstract: The improved endoprosthetic device surface treatment encourages soft tissue attachment thereto. A porous mesh surface treatment creates on an outer surface of the endoprosthetic device a three-dimensional surface structure similar to cancellous bone. Suture attachment features are provided at various locations around the treated surface structure to initially affix a vascularized soft tissue to the treated surface. As the patient heals the soft tissue grows and infiltrates the porous mesh surface to achieve an attachment strength substantially equal to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Apparatuses for distal fibula replacement and related methods are described herein. The apparatus generally includes an implantable stem component including a proximal portion that is contoured to have an anterior overlap with a portion of a fibula bone of a patient, and a distal portion that defines one or more channels configured to receive one or more tendons of the patient. Related methods include placing the apparatus on the portion of the fibula bone of the patient.

Abstract: A vertebral body replacement device, dimensioned for implantation between a first and second vertebral bone is described. The vertebral body replacement device includes a superior endcap, an inferior endcap and a central core between the superior and inferior endcaps. The vertebral body replacement device further includes a fusion aperture extending through the superior and inferior endcaps and central core. The vertebral body replacement device is made of radiolucent material and can be implanted from a lateral or anterior approach to the spine.

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

Abstract: An example expandable interbody device can include a structural body having an upper endplate and a lower endplate. The device can include at least one wedge block and at least one linkage block arranged between the upper and lower endplates. The linkage block can include a plurality of linkages and a shear pin disposed at a respective proximal end of each of the linkages. The device can include a drive screw extending through the wedge and linkage blocks. The drive screw can be configured to rotate and drive the wedge block to expand the upper and lower endplates of the structural body from the closed position to an intermediate position. Additionally, the drive screw can be further configured to rotate and drive the linkage block to expand the upper and lower endplates of the structural body from the intermediate position to an open position.

Abstract: Implants include fixation features which slidingly receive fixation elements. The fixation features may be negative or positive features, such as undercut channels or posts. Examples include unicompartmental tibial trays having a ridge protruding from the bone-facing side, an undercut channel formed within the ridge. Instruments are disclosed for preparing a ridge-receiving feature in bone.

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

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) and a metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP), comprising a first prosthetic digit comprising one or more first phalanges and a four-bar linkage to operatively couple the PIP joint to the MCP joint, a first engagement portion positioned on one of the first phalanges, the first engagement portion comprising a locking linkage extending along the phalange, the locking linkage being part of the four-bar linkage, and a first stopping portion comprising a stopping element configured to be positioned above the locking linkage, wherein the locking linkage is capable of engaging with the stopping element by passing the one of the first phalanges in which the locking linkage is positioned through a mechanical singularity to lock the first prosthetic digit such that each of the one or more phalanges is in a position of flexion in response to a force applied to the first prosthetic digit.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis comprises a knee chassis (10), a shin carrier (20) pivotally connected to the knee chassis (10) and a piston and cylinder assembly (30, 40) pivotally connected to the knee chassis (10) and the shin carrier (20). The piston and cylinder assembly (30, 40) comprises a piston assembly (40) comprising a piston (40) mounted on a piston rod (42), a cylinder body (32B) having a cavity (46) defining a cylinder within which the piston (44) is arranged to reciprocate along the piston and cylinder assembly axis, and a foot component attachment means (36) for attaching a foot component to the piston and cylinder assembly (30, 40).

Abstract: A prosthesis or an orthosis and method of operating the same. The prosthesis or orthosis comprising a moveable component, a motor operable to move the component, wherein the motor has at least one operating parameter, the application of which to the motor results in the component having at least one operating condition; and an electronic device operable to: determine at least one operating parameter of the motor and determine at least one instantaneous operating condition of the component from a predetermined operating profile of the motor and component and the determined at least one operating parameter of the motor, the predetermined operating profile of the motor and component being based on one or more operating parameter inputs to the motor and one or more resulting operating condition outputs of the component.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an electrically conductive pathway between the nervous system of a patient and a prosthetic device. The method includes implanting an electrically conductive scaffolding around a nerve in the body of the patient; attaching the scaffolding to an electrical conduit which electrically transmits the action potential of the nerve; inducing growth of the nerve about the scaffolding and the electrical conduit, thereby forming an electrically conductive pathway; and bringing the electrically conductive pathway into electrical communication with the prosthetic device.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a prosthesis delivery device is disclosed. The handle assembly has a proximal gripping portion and a stationary gripping portion. At least one rail extends distally from the proximal gripping portion through the stationary gripping portion. The proximal gripping portion is distally moveable along a longitudinal axis towards the stationary gripping portion from a first pre-deployment position to a second position. The at least one rail extends proximally from the stationary gripping portion when the proximal gripping portion is in a first pre-deployment position and distally from the stationary gripping portion when the proximal gripping portion is in a second position. The at least one rail is configured to prevent the build-up of torque along the length of the delivery device as well as prevent the build-up of torque among the various components of the handle assembly including the proximal gripping portion and the stationary gripping portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for performing percutaneous catheter-based interventional surgery. The apparatus comprises first and second devices that are located in adjacent body cavities, such as adjacent blood vessels, the first device being capable of transmitting a directional signal that can be received by the second device. The direction of the signal is correlated with the facility to direct therapy, such that improved accuracy in therapy placement is thereby achieved. Methods for treating patients utilising the means and apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A magnet assembly apparatus for obesity treatment and a use method of the same are disclosed. The magnet assembly apparatus for obesity treatment according to the present invention is a magnet assembly apparatus for obesity treatment which can be injected by an oral approach into the stomach of a patient. The magnet assembly apparatus comprises a first sphere having a first diameter and silicon-coated on the outside; and a second sphere having a second diameter bigger than the first diameter, which is a magnetic substance having a magnetic force of a predetermined value.

Abstract: A gastroplasty method involves a staple line that terminates prior to reaching the gastroesophageal junction such that the bypassed portion of the stomach does not require resection. Additionally, bougies are taught that assist a physician in following the improved staple line of the present invention.

Abstract: A gastrectomy device includes an elongated member defining a centerline that extends through proximal and distal ends thereof. A shape modification member coupled to the elongated member is movable relative to the centerline of the elongated member. The shape modification member is movable between a first state, adjacent to the elongated member, and a second state, spaced from the elongated member. The shape modification member conforms to a portion of a patient's stomach in the second state.

Abstract: Described is an exercise tool. More particularly, it is a therapy and exercise tool specifically devised as a foot-therapy and toe-aligning device to align, separate, and stretch toes. The foot-therapy and toe-aligning device comprises a frame with a plurality of posts connected with the frame. The device is formed of an elastic material such that a user may place at least one of the plurality of posts between a user's toes and pull the post to stretch and elongate the post between the toes. Upon release, the elastic material of the post causes the post to attempt to return to its original shape, thereby causing it to expand out and conform its shape to fit snugly against the user's toes. Additionally, the elastic material allows the toe posts to be positioned and maintained at numerous locations between the user's toes for customizable positioning between the toes.

Abstract: Real-time cast sensor measurement outputs of a set of cast sensors that each measure a characteristic related to usage of an adjustable removable cast worn by a patient during treatment of congenital talipes equino varus (CTEV) are monitored. A cast usage anomaly relative to a treatment program prescribed for the patient with respect to wearing of the adjustable removable cast is identified according to the real-time cast sensor measurement outputs. Responsive to identifying the cast usage anomaly, real-time corrective treatment feedback is provided to the patient that instructs further and proper use of the adjustable removable cast to improve compliance with the treatment program prescribed for the patient.

Abstract: A neck support apparatus has a frame with a pair of risers spaced apart from each other and each having a bottom end and a top end. The frame is positioned on the back of a wearer. A harness maintains the frame in position. A flexible panel spans between the two risers. The shape of the two risers, the initial tautness of the flexible panel, and the material of the flexible panel, and other factors, contribute to the shape of the support surface that the flexible surface presents to the head and neck of a wearer of the apparatus. The flexible panel provides support to the head and neck of a wearer when the head of the wearer is tilted back, such as when a person is doing overhead work.

Abstract: A disposable stoma plug includes an absorbent body and a grip device. The absorbent body has a bottom end and a top. The bottom end is configured for insertion into a stoma opening. The grip device is connected to the top of the absorbent body. The grip device is configured for handling the absorbent body for inserting and removing the absorbent body into and from the stoma opening. Wherein, the stoma plug is configured to briefly seal off the stoma opening of an urostomy, an ileostomy, or a colostomy to prevent bodily fluids from leaking from the stoma opening, thereby, keeping surrounding skin free and dry while changing dressings, bandages or a collection bag.

Abstract: A multi-orientation attachment apparatus constructed of molded silicone or another form of elastomeric substance and configured to be selectively coupled to a variety of hospital surfaces. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include two or more pairs of elongated members being configured to be selectively coupled to a circumference, for instance, a hospital bed rail or an IV pole, at a first end and selectively coupled to form a loop at a second end.

Abstract: The invention discloses an ostomy accessory (20) for an intestinal stoma of a mammal ostomy patient, adapted to be used together with an implanted constriction device with an artificial closing sphincter function for closing the intestinal passageway. The ostomy accessory is adapted to absorb secret from the mucosa wall of the part of the intestine which is distal to the constriction device, which may secrete or disseminate some liquid matter, which may thus spill out and cause discomfort to the patient, for example by staining the clothes of the patient. The ostomy accessory comprises an insertion portion (21) for insertion into said intestinal stoma and comprising an absorbing body (23, 24, 25) for absorbing and retaining liquid matter consisting of liquid secreted from a mucosa wall of the intestine (31).

Abstract: A condom comprising a continuous elastic tubular wall with a closed distal end and an open proximal end and further improving features. In one embodiment the condom further comprises a teat at the closed distal end, wherein the teat comprises a neck and a head, and wherein in use, the teat is retained partially or fully inside of the continuous elastic tubular wall, and the teat forms a chamber that is tillable with a fluid or phase change formulation which is released externally in use.

Abstract: A condom comprises a distal non-adhesive tubular portion 1 and a proximal circumferentially outstretched adhesive flange 2. The tubular portion 1 covers the distal part of the penis, whereas the adhesive flange 2 wraps around and sticks onto the proximal part of the penis to prevent slippage and leakage of the condom. The folds created by the flange (2A and 2B) adhering to itself are used as holding tags to ease the condom's removal. The condom may be produced by sealing and cutting two thermoplastic films to create a pouch with a substantially hat shape seam, and two adhesive flanges (2A and 2B) extending from the seam to emulate the above configuration. The adhesive coating may be on the external surface of the flanges and the condom is inverted outside-in to emulate the above configuration.

Abstract: System and methods for inserting and securing an intrauterine device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a medical device configured to provide cooling to a tissue region are provided. The medical device may be configured to noninvasively or invasively cool the tissue region to a predetermined operating temperature via a two-phase heat transfer process.

Abstract: A hand-held or wearable device for cooling tissue of an eye of a patient is disclosed. In one aspect, the device includes a reservoir having fluid therein and a support connected to the reservoir and configured to be positioned on a face of the patient. The device also includes a nozzle positioned proximate to the support and fluidically connected to the reservoir, the nozzle configured to pass the fluid from the reservoir onto a surface of the eye. The device further includes a cooling element configured to cool the fluid from the reservoir such that it exits the nozzle at a temperature of between ?100° C. and 15° C. The device further includes an ultrasonic vibrator positioned near the nozzle and configured to generate mist from at least part of the fluid.

Abstract: A device and method for treatment of hot flashes in perimenopausal and menopausal women. The device includes a cooling agent distributed over at least a portion of an area of the device, at least one liner positioned against and attached to at least one side of the cooling agent over at least the portion of the area of the device, and an adhesive. The adhesive is arranged on at least one side of the device so as to permit the device to be secured with respect to the anatomy of a user.

Abstract: A refractive index writing system includes a pulsed laser source, an objective lens for focusing an output of the pulsed laser source to a focal spot in an optical material, and a scanner for relatively moving the focal spot with respect to the optical material along a scan region. A beam multiplexer divides the output of the laser source into at least two working beams that are focused to variously shaped focal spots within the optical material. A controller controls at least one of a temporal and a spatial offset between the focal spots of the working beams together with the relative speed and direction of the scanner for maintaining an energy profile within the optical material along the scan region above a nonlinear absorption threshold of the optical material and below a breakdown threshold of the optical materials.

Abstract: A biodegradable intravitreal implant comprising an antioxidant and a biodegradable polymer that releases the antioxidant at a predetermined rate effective to sustain release of an amount of the antioxidant from the implant for a prolonged period of time after the implant is placed into the vitreous of an eye.

Abstract: A tissue removal device includes a hollow needle, an ultrasonic transducer for mechanically vibrating the needle, an aspiration line communicating with the needle, and a vacuum pulsing device for generating vacuum pulses in the needle. The device may be utilized for breaking up tissue by phacoemulsification, vacuum pulsing, or both.

Abstract: A treatment probe for treating an eye of a patient includes an elongate body that defines a handle and a treatment fiber that is housed within the elongate body. The treatment fiber is configured to deliver treatment light energy to the eye. A contact member is disposed on an end of the elongate body. The contact member has a contact surface for positioning on a surface of the eye, two side edges that are positioned on opposite sides of the contact surface, and a fluid channel. The contact surface conforms to the shape of the eye's sclera and the two side edges are shaped to direct fluid that is present on the surface of the eye toward the fluid channel when the contact member is moved laterally across the surface of the eye. The fluid aggregates within the fluid channel and contacts a distal end of the treatment fiber.

Abstract: The underlying invention comprise a method for changing the human perceptual color appearance of the iris of a human's or animal's eye by selectively decreasing the density of pigments of the anterior stroma layer of the iris, the method comprising the steps of generating a plurality of predefined energy quantities; applying one or more of the predefined energy quantities to the anterior stroma layer, wherein each of the predefined energy quantities is generated and applied such that it ablates at least in part melanocytes of the stroma, wherein the predefined energy quantities at least in part are generated and applied in such a way that ablated tissue generated as an immediate cause of the energy quantities is discharged into the anterior eye chamber such that the discharged tissue can be removed by maintaining a mechanically generated flow of rinsing solution through or within the anterior eye chamber.