Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of improving cardiac function, including transcutaneously inserting at least one catheter into a heart, delivering a band to a ventricle of the heart via the at least one catheter, guiding the band through a plurality of spaces among a trabeculae in the ventricle, tightening the band in a single loop, locking the band in a loop, and removing the at least one catheter from the heart.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides intramedullary mandibular implants for the temporomandibular joint. The mandibular implants include a stem portion, a collar portion and a head portion. The stem, collar and head portions may be integral. The stem portion may define an inferior end and the head portion may define a superior end of the implants. The head portion may be arcuate in the sagittal plane to provide an articulating surface with a fossa or a fossa component. The collar portion may be intermediate of the head and stem portions and form a channel between an interior surface of the collar portion and an exterior surface of the stem portion. In use, the stem portion may be implanted within a condyle of a mandible such that an end portion of the condyle is situated within the channel of the implant and the head portion articulates with the fossa or fossa component.

Abstract: An expanding, conforming interbody implant includes a plurality of superior and a plurality of inferior segments. The segments are adapted to individually expand, contact, and conform to endplates of vertebral bodies to distribute forces equally over the implant and across the vertebral endplates. Once a proper extension of the segments has been achieved, the segments are locked in position. The implant has a stiffness that approximates the stiffness of bone, and the implant minimizes problems with subsidence, endplate fractures, and stress shielding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular knee prosthesis assembly kit for replacement of resected articular surfaces of a distal femur of a first patient side. The kit comprises at least one bi-condylar component sized and shaped to substantially replace resected posterior and distal condylar bone portions; and at least a first trochlear groove component and a second trochlear groove component, each sized and shaped to replace a resected trochlear groove bone portion. The first trochlear groove component comprises a first patella articulation path defining a first trochlear groove direction angle. The second trochlear groove component comprises a second patella articulation path defining a second trochlear groove direction angle. An assembly of the bi-condylar component and one of the first and second trochlear groove components forms a substantially complete femoral knee prosthesis. The second trochlear groove direction angle is different from the first trochlear groove direction angle.

Abstract: A talar bone plate for use with a multi-component ankle prosthesis is disclosed that has a body having a medial side, a lateral side, an upper surface, a lower surface, a medial-anterior end, a lateral-anterior end, a medial-anterior portion that extends out in anterior direction beyond the lateral-anterior side, and a posterior side, where a length between the medial-anterior end and the posterior side is greater than the length between the lateral-anterior end and the posterior side near the lateral side of the body, where the body having at least one elongated screw hole provided in the medial-anterior portion and a plurality of screw holes provided in the area between the at least one elongated screw hole and the posterior side.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ankle prosthesis (1) comprising a talar implant (2) designed to be implanted. in or on the talus (3), a tibial implant (4) designed to be implanted in or on the tibia (5), and an intermediate implant (6) designed to be interposed between the tibial implant and the talar implant, said intermediate implant (6) being designed to be mounted to move relative to said talar implant (2) at a contact interface (7) in order to allow the ankle to move, said ankle prosthesis (1) being characterised in that it is provided with configurable coupling means (10) designed to enable the intermediate implant (6) to be arranged relative to the tibial implant (4) in a specific configuration chosen from among a plurality of possible configurations.

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: An implant including a cage configured to be implanted between two vertebrae, including a first deployable keel, including a first blade, a first flange extending substantially perpendicularly from a first edge of the first blade, and a second flange extending substantially perpendicularly from a second edge of the first blade, such that the cross-section of the first deployable keel is in the shape of half of an I-beam. The implant further includes a second deployable keel, including a second blade, a third flange extending substantially perpendicularly from a first edge of the second blade, and a fourth flange extending substantially perpendicularly from a second edge of the second blade, such that the cross-section of the second deployable keel is in the shape of half of an I-beam. The first keel is configured to deploy in a superior direction, and the second keel is configured to deploy in an inferior direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. The fusion device described herein is capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space at a minimum to no distraction height and for a fusion device capable of maintaining a normal distance between adjacent vertebral bodies when implanted.

Abstract: A spinal implant configured for positioning within a space between adjacent vertebral bodies includes first and second bone screws and a body. The body includes a back surface having first and second openings for receiving the first and second screws. The first and second openings are configured for orientation towards opposing vertebral bodies. The body further includes first and second side surfaces extending from opposing ends of the back surface and first and second end surfaces extending from respective first and second side surfaces, wherein the ends of the first and second end surfaces meet and define an atraumatic nose. A first angle is formed between the first side surface and the first end surface that is different than a second angle that is formed between the second side surface and the first end surface. A method using same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided that assesses the quality of implant placement intraoperatively, determines the accuracy of a prepared implant cavity, and alerts a user of an impending bone fracture during computer-assisted orthopedic surgery. The method and system improve the quality of implant placement in a bone compared to conventional techniques by utilizing force feedback acquired while robotically inserting the implant in the bone.

Abstract: A spinal implant device is provided comprising a body structure with a central cavity and a movable lid configured to cover the central cavity. The movable lid is configured to be opened to pack a material in the central cavity. The movable lid can be connected to the body structure with a moveable joint. The spinal implant device can include a compressible feature. A method for treating the spine is provided comprising opening a movable lid of a spinal implant device, packing a material in a central cavity of a spinal implant device, closing the movable lid, and inserting the spinal implant device between vertebrae.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for robotically assisted disc prosthesis selection and implantation. The system includes a 3D modeling system for creating a 3D model of first and second vertebra adjacent the intended surgical site and identifying and storing data for the positions of the first and second vertebrae. A computing system for stores and processes the 3D model and the position data. A robot connected to the computing system attaches to a plurality of instruments including sizing templates, trials, cutters or placement instruments for intervertebral disc prostheses. An interface on the computing system allows the surgeon to sequentially deliver the plurality of instruments with the robot to a registration position to improve the speed and accuracy of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotically distracting a disc space are provided for implantation of an intervertebral prosthetic disc. The system includes a 3D modeling system for creating a 3D model of first and second vertebra adjacent the disc space and identifying positions of the first and second vertebrae. A robotic distractor precisely opens the disc space just large enough to receive a selected intervertebral disc. A computing system stores and processes the 3D model and the positions of the first and second vertebrae before and after distraction. A surgeon interface on the computing system allows the surgeon to select an intervertebral disc prosthesis to be implanted and a desired distraction distance or force to be achieved.

Abstract: Methods and systems to interface between physiological devices and a prosthetic device, including to receive a plurality of types of physiological activity signals from a user, decode a user movement intent from each of the plurality of signals types, and fuse the movement intents into a joint decision to control moveable elements of the prosthetic device.

Abstract: A method of delivering a percutaneous heart valve is disclosed. The percutaneous heart valve includes an expandable frame having a plurality of cells and a valve seated inside the expandable frame. The heart valve also includes a proximal anchoring portion and a distal anchoring portion having a plurality of distal anchors. After expansion, the proximal anchoring portion extends distally and a portion of each distal anchor extends proximally. A portion of each distal anchor is positioned radially outwardly from the frame and extends in a direction that is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis. Proximal portions of the distal anchors are preferably spaced apart by less than two cell lengths from a distal portion of the proximal anchoring portion. During deployment, radial expansion of the frame draws the proximal anchoring portion and the distal anchors into closer proximity with body tissue positioned therebetween.

Abstract: Stents generally can include a tubular structure having circumferentially positioned undulating wires that extend over a majority of a length of the stent such that the undulations oscillate circumferentially to define a circumference of the stent. The undulations can wrap over and under adjacent undulations to form an interwoven structure. Additionally, or alternatively, adjacent wires can be joined. Wires forming the stent can be cut from elastic tubing such that each wire has a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device includes an expandable section. The expandable section may be positioned over an expander, such as a balloon catheter, and expand upon expansion of the expander. The expandable section may include struts that rotate as the expandable section expands. Edges of the struts may score surfaces (e.g., pathology, tissue, etc.) against which the struts are forced as the expandable element expands. The expandable element may carry a medicament, which may be delivered upon expansion of the expandable element.

Abstract: The disclosure provides biodegradable implantable devices such as a stent comprising a biodegradable polymeric wherein the polymeric material is treated to control crystallinity and/or Tg. The stent is capable to expand at body temperature in a body lumen from a crimped configuration to a deployed diameter and have sufficient strength to support a body lumen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent for transluminal implantation in hollow organs, in particular in blood vessels, ureters, esophagi, colons, duodena, or bile ducts, comprising a substantially tubular body, which can be transferred from a compressed state having a first cross-sectional diameter into an expanded state having an enlarged second cross-sectional diameter, wherein the stent comprises a plurality of cells, which are defined by bordering elements formed by the tubular body. The stent is distinguished in that some of the cells are extended in the longitudinal direction of the stent in comparison with the remaining cells in order to form a slanted end face of the stent.

Abstract: An implant includes a shape-memory material having a transformation temperature. The implantable element is configured to be implanted, and to perform a first therapeutic function when the shape-memory material is in a first shape. An energy applicator is configured to change the shape-memory material from the first shape to a second shape by raising a temperature of the shape-memory material to the transformation temperature by radiating energy to the implant from outside the body. The implant is configured to perform a second therapeutic function while the shape-memory material is in the second shape, the second therapeutic function being qualitatively different from the first therapeutic function. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An illustrative endoluminal implant having an elongated tubular member. The elongated tubular member having a stent and a retrieval suture interwoven with the stent. The retrieval suture including a first suture loop extending about a circumference of the stent and adjacent to a suture retrieval loop and a second suture loop extending about a circumference of the stent and longitudinally spaced from the first suture loop. The first and second suture loops coupled via one or more interconnecting segments. At least one of the first or second suture loops has an arc length of less than 270° of the circumference of the stent.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a prosthesis delivery device includes a proximal gripping portion, a stationary gripping portion, a shell assembly including first shell portion and a second shell portion extending distally from the proximal gripping portion to the stationary gripping portion when the proximal gripping portion is in a first position. The first shell portion and the second shell portion each have a part-cylindrical shape and complement each other to form a cylindrical shell assembly. Absent the first shell portion and the second shell portion being in the assembled state, the proximal gripping portion is distally movable toward the stationary gripping portion from the first position to a second position. The first position is a pre-deployment position and the second position is a deployment position. The first shell portion and second shell portion block the proximal gripping portion from moving distally from the first position into the second position.

Abstract: A device for managing patellofemoral pain includes a wearable anchor structure configured to be positioned adjacent to the knee joint of a user. A spring mechanism is attachable, during use, to the anchor structure at first and second attachment positions located laterally and medially of the knee joint, respectively. An attachment component is coupled to the spring mechanism and has an attachment surface configured to be removably attached, during use, to the skin over the patella of the user such that the spring mechanism applies a tension force on the attachment component in an anterior direction. Methods for managing patellofemoral pain and realigning the patella and a patellofemoral pain management kit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A CAM walker includes a removable collar assembly configured to engage a cast or other brace device being worn on a lower extremity received in the walker. The collar assembly includes portions, such as paddles, configured to be brought into engagement with the brace device sufficiently to inhibit anterior and posterior movement of the proximal end of the walker relative to the proximal end of the lower extremity received therein.

Abstract: An orthotic device is disclosed. The orthotic device can comprise a passive orthosis and at least one sensor. At least a first portion of the orthosis can be configured to be positioned on a first side of a joint of a user. At least a second portion of the orthosis can be configured to be positioned on a second side of the joint of a user. The at least one sensor can be coupled to the orthosis and configured to collect data indicative of a user's response to a resistive force applied to the joint.

Abstract: A set of carpal tunnel syndrome relief devices is provided for treatment of a subject. The set includes several devices configured to be applied to a wrist which may have various shapes and sizes. Each device may be configured for an adhesive application to a skin area on a proximal side of a wrist over a median nerve of the subject. One device may be selected to match the profile of the skin of the subject and provide a distance from the peak of the middle portion to the underlying skin of about 3 to 6 mm—so as to achieve optimal pull of the skin above the median nerve and relief of carpal tunnel syndrome. An alternative, subject-specific design of the carpal tunnel syndrome relief device profile is also described.

Abstract: An ankle support includes a sleeve and a heel strap that offers comfortable and secure heel fit. The ankle support has a versatile strap system that can be easily configured for different indications and forms of restriction. The strap system accounts for the anatomy of the ankle by offering stretch where needed to provide effective motion control while balancing comfort. The strap system has segments lacking elasticity or stretch to stably secure the strap system about a user's ankle while accommodating the anatomy of the ankle and minimizing migration and discomfort.

Abstract: An adjustable back brace configured to aid in the correction of spinal curvature during a treatment period of a patient is provided. In some aspects, the adjustable back brace comprises a rod, an inferior segment, and a superior segment. The inferior segment is configured to stabilize a pelvic region of the patient. The superior segment is configured to apply pressure to one of a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the patient, proximate a thoracic region of the patient to provide a corrective force on the spinal curvature of the patient. The superior segment is also selectively adjustable to be selectively moved and fixedly positioned in a plurality of positions along at least one of the lateral direction or the vertical direction, wherein the plurality of positions are designed for periodic adjustment of the corrective force on the spinal curvature during the treatment period.

Abstract: An adjustable neck collar includes a neck collar main body, including a neck sleeve and a chin support; a barrel body has a first engaging toothed portion, an axle member and a reel member are axially movably pivoted to the barrel body and has a second engaging toothed portion, the reel member has a third engaging toothed portion detachably engaged with the first engaging toothed portion, the axle member is configured to drive the reel member to detach from the first engaging toothed portion, the second engaging toothed portion is detachably engaged with the third engaging toothed portion, a spring abuts against the barrel body and the reel member, at least one fastening member is disposed through the reel member and connected to the chin support.

Abstract: A compression pad designed for the Mons pubis area to facilitate a quicker recovery of a patient who has had a tummy tuck or liposuction procedure, which results in a swelling of the Mons pubic region of the body. This compression pad is designed to fit comfortably inside a post operative garment of varying designs to include fajas to compress the skin in this area resulting in a alleviation of swollen tissue, edema, fluid and an esthetic appearance. The compression pad has an elevation of reinforcement areas to relieve the swelling by a means of compression when placed in between a post operative compression garment at the Mons pubis region of the human body. The objective of the compression is to minimize the fluid and swelling in the Mons pubis area relieving the patient of the soreness, swelling, and enlargement of the Mons pubis.

Abstract: A faceplate assembly for an ostomy pouch system including an invertible stoma collar is provided. The invertible stoma collar protrudes toward a stoma and defines an inlet opening. The invertible stoma collar is formed from a flexible material having an elastic memory, such that the stoma collar hugs the stoma as the stoma is received through the inlet opening, and becomes inverted. The inverted stoma collar has a tendency to regain its original shape, and thus, applies sufficient pressure to seal around the stoma without strangulating the stoma.

Abstract: Stoma site protection devices, kits, assemblies and methods are provided that prevent or minimize leakage from a stoma. A stoma site protection device includes a conformal plug that can adapt to the stoma track. Kits and assemblies include additional components such as flexible external bumpers and bandages that provide multiple sealing of the stoma.

Abstract: An orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device is provided that includes a hyoid bone attachment element disposed to attach a ferric element to a hyoid bone whereby the ferric element force can be adjusted by a force delivery element.

Abstract: In an apparatus for facilitating fatigue reduction of a user, a characteristic identifier identifies at least one personal characteristic item of the user, and a hot-cold stimulus controller instructs a hot-cold stimulator to apply hot and cold stimuluses to the user in accordance with a stimulus condition, and varies, based on the identified at least one personal characteristic item of the user, the stimulus condition of each of the hot stimulus and cold stimulus. The stimulus condition of each of the hot stimulus and cold stimulus include at least one of, one or more parts of the user to which the corresponding one of the hot stimulus and cold stimulus is to be applied, a temperature of the corresponding one of the hot stimulus and cold stimulus, and an application period of the corresponding one of the hot stimulus and cold stimulus to the user.

Abstract: The invention is related to iris color changing method that ensures a color change in iris by shedding the layer that contain the cells with melanin pigments in the upper superficial part and stroma of the iris, colored part of the eye, through photo-disruptive effect.

Abstract: A device for plasma treatment of biological tissue can comprise a hollow needlelike tubular section with a distal end for applying a light-induced plasma to the tissue, wherein the tubular section comprises subsequent to the distal end an inner plasma chamber configured for generating therein a light-induced plasma. In one embodiment, the plasma chamber is communicatively coupled with a distal, central axial aperture in the distal end, and adjoins, within the tubular section, a light injection section for injecting light, in particular laser light pulses, into the plasma chamber for plasma generation.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for removing debris from an eye. The methods and devices may be used to treat ocular disorders such as blepharitis, meibomitis, and dry eye. The devices include a scrubbing strip coupled to a support. The support may include a sleeve configured to fit over the end of a finger or the distal end portion of a mechanical device. The scrubbing strip is utilized to contact debris located on an eyelid margin to remove debris from the eye.

Abstract: A lens device for use in Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) procedures is provided. The lens device includes four internal reflectors, each having a reflector surface configured direct a laser beam pulse toward the trabecular meshwork region of a patient's eye. Each of the four internal reflectors is arranged to correspond to a particular quadrant of the patient's eye to enable the entire 360-degrees of the trabecular meshwork to be treated with laser pulses without rotation of the lens device. A method for performing an SLT procedure using the lens device is also provided. The method includes placing the lens device of the patient's eye, aligning the internal reflectors with the quadrants of the patient's eye, directing laser pulses through each internal reflector until the trabecular meshwork in each quadrant of the patient's eye has been treated.

Abstract: A laser module produces pulsed laser energy in a wavelength range of 495-580 nm based on duration, peak power, and interval parameter information. An envelope timer controls the total duration of all micropulses based on the duration and interval parameters via a pulse-width modulated (PWM) output to a micropulse timer, which in turn outputs a PWM micropulse signal. A light emitting diode driver outputs a laser current through a diode based on the micropulse signal and a dimming signal to produce the pulsed laser energy. The integrator compares a signal corresponding to a detected power level of the laser energy to a signal corresponding to the peak power parameter and outputs the dimming signal. The resulting micropulse durations are in the range of 50 to 300 microseconds for periods of about 2 milliseconds, with a duty cycle ranging from 5 to 15%. The overall pulse parameters are duration from 10 microseconds to 1.5 seconds, with periods of any value.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for vitrectomy, in particular vitrectomy device or vitrector, comprising a hollow needle, in particular cannula, with a cylindrical wall which encloses a cavity of the hollow needle, wherein the hollow needle is closed on the end face at a distal end located in the longitudinal direction (L) of the hollow needle, and the hollow needle comprises a vitrectomy opening, whose opening normal is oriented radially or transversely to the longitudinal direction (L), has a predetermined minimum distance from the distal end, and the opening cross-sectional area in the longitudinal direction (L), or transversely to the longitudinal direction, or in the circumferential direction (U) comprises an elongated, at least partially curved shape, in particular a shape formed in the manner of an ellipse.

Abstract: Eyewear is provided that has one or more lenses and a shield, the shield comprising a material that resists the passage of solids and liquids there through, and the shield is formed with one or more adjustable sections that allow one or more vents to be formed in said shield.

Abstract: Goggles and eyewear with various features may be described herein. Such goggles and eyewear may include lenses that allow for the installation of larger roll-off films, adjustable nose sections to increase comfort of a wearer, sweat management systems that include a permeable gasket and a gutter, lens attachment systems, and co-molded frames of multiple different materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating or/and refreshing an ear canal of a subject, focused on cleaning the ear canal via removing cerumen therefrom. Apparatus includes a treating element formed as an elastic helically shaped coil strip, whose outer and inner surfaces may be coated (covered) by different possible combinations of outer layer, inner layer, and lubrication layer, coatings (coverings). The treating element outer and inner surfaces, as well as the outer layer, inner layer, or/and lubrication layer, are formed of, or/and include, materials exhibiting specific physicochemical properties and characteristics that facilitate particular friction and lubrication phenomena during implementation, which improve efficacy, safety, or/and tolerability of using the apparatus. Also disclosed is a method, including use of the apparatus, for treating or/and refreshing an ear canal of a subject.

Abstract: An ear-protective headgear has a headband, a first earpiece and a second earpiece. The headband is worn on the user's head in order to position the earpieces over the user's ears, protecting the ears from environmental discomforts, such as the heat from a hooded hair dryer. The earpieces may be moved along the headband to be appropriately positioned over the ears. The headband is also adjustable in length through a headband fastener connecting a first end and a second end of the headband together. The earpieces are affixed to the headband by two strap portions forming a headband connector, the ends of which are connected together, forming a loop around the headband. An earpiece connector insert may be positioned within the headband connector of one of the earpieces and attached to a fastening anchor positioned on the other earpiece, connecting the earpieces together to wear as an accessory.

Abstract: A wound dressing includes a perforated film layer, a hydrophilic foam layer, a drape layer, and superabsorbent projections. The perforated film layer is configured to engage a wound bed and has a first side and a second side, the second side configured to face the wound bed. The hydrophilic foam layer also has a first side and a second side, the second side configured to face the first side of the perforated film layer. The drape layer also has a first side and a second side, the second side configured to face the first side of the hydrophilic foam layer. The hydrophilic foam layer also has a plurality of superabsorbent projections fixed to and extending from the first side of the hydrophilic foam layer towards the second side of the drape layer. The drape layer further has a first drape and a second drape, the first drape comprising an adhesive-coated ring configured to peripherally surround and overlap the second drape.

Abstract: A device designed for exfoliating, soothing, and healing damages skin on the heel of the foot. The device is designed to keep therapeutic substances in direct contact the skin of the foot and allow it to remain in place for a desired amount of time. The device is adaptable to a multitude of therapeutic substances as well as feet of varying sizes.

Abstract: A method for forming an absorbent article including a first absorbent core and a second absorbent core which are superposed on each other, includes feeding a first supporting web along a first feed path in a first feed direction; placing a succession of first absorbent cores on the first supporting web at a preset spacing; feeding a second supporting web along a second feed path in a second feed direction; placing a succession of second absorbent cores on the second supporting web at the preset spacing; coupling the first supporting web to the second supporting web such that each first absorbent core is coupled to a corresponding second absorbent core in a composite web including the succession of first absorbent cores and the succession of the second absorbent cores interposed between the first supporting web and the second supporting web.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent article having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis is provided. The method involves delivering a supply of absorbent web in a machine direction and cutting the absorbent web material in a cross-direction to form a repeating nested pattern of generally identically shaped and oppositely oriented absorbent cores that are asymmetrical about the transverse axis. The cut absorbent cores are then positioned between a continuous web of topsheet and backsheet material, wherein the absorbent cores remain in the cross-direction and are spaced apart in the machine direction. Absorbent articles are then stamped out in the cross-direction, wherein adjacent absorbent articles have alternately oriented absorbent cores.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis and a front region and rear region disposed either side of the transverse axis is provided. The article has a topsheet with a shape that is symmetrical about the transverse axis and a backsheet with the same shape and size as the topsheet. An absorbent core is disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core being asymmetrical about the transverse axis of the article, wherein more than 50% of the absorbent core is disposed in the front region of the absorbent article. The absorbent article further has an absorbency indicator, wherein more than 50% of the absorbency indicator is provided in the front of the absorbent article.