Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing electricity are provided for non-human animals. Electrodes are used to deliver an electrical current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.

Abstract: Devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence includes providing a support and a system of anchors connected to the support, securing some of anchors in the system of anchors into obturator foramen of a patient, securing other anchors of the system of anchors into periosteum tissue covering the pelvis bone, and implanting the support into the patent through an incision.

Abstract: Described is a pelvic implant comprising a biodegradable conductive mesh. The mesh can include biodegradable and electrically conductive polymer, and can be stimulated with a current to generate an electric field to promote an improved tissue response following placement of the implant. The invention also describes methods and systems including the pelvic implant comprising a biodegradable conductive mesh for the treatment of pelvic floor conditions. Implants of the invention provide benefits relating to improved tissue integration into the mesh, resulting in pelvic tissue reconstruction. Tissue reconstruction and elimination of the mesh materials can lead to a better clinical outcome for the patient.

Abstract: A method and prosthesis is provided for percutaneous repair of an anatomical defect, such as an inguinal hernia. The method involves percutaneously accessing the inguinal canal of a patient. Following hernia reduction, if required, the hernia defect may be accessed and repaired percutaneously from within the inguinal canal. An implantable prosthesis may be percutaneously delivered into the inguinal canal. The prosthesis may be advanced along the inguinal canal from the percutaneous entry location to the defect site, where it may be deployed over and/or within the defect. A biocompatible foam material may be percutaneously delivered into the inguinal canal to reduce and/or repair the hernia defect. The foam may fill and solidify in the canal to prevent abdominal viscera from reentering the canal. Ablative therapy may be performed within the inguinal canal to cause a fibrotic response resulting in scar tissue formation and/or tissue shrinkage that narrows the canal.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a patient's blood vessel, such as the aorta, has an approximately cylindrical outer structure made of a filter mesh material and an approximately conical inner structure also made of a filter mesh material. On the downstream end of the embolic protection device, the wider end of the conical inner structure is joined to the cylindrical outer structure. The upstream end of the embolic protection device is open for blood to flow between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure. The space between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure defines a collection chamber for captured emboli. The narrow upstream end of the conical inner structure has a catheter port with a resilient seal that is sized for passage of a catheter shaft. The filter mesh material may be self-supporting or it may be supported on a resilient-framework or an inflatable framework.

Abstract: An intravascular filter assembly has an expanded state for capturing thrombi in a patient's blood vessel, a first a collapsed state for removal from the patient's blood vessel in a first direction and a second collapsed state for removal from the patient's blood vessel in a second direction. A plurality of first struts extends from a first axial side of a fixed hub, and a plurality of second struts extends from the opposite axial side of the fixed hub. An axially movable hub has a first position radially surrounding the tubular body, a second position axially spaced apart from the fixed hub along the first struts, and a third position axially spaced apart from the fixed hub along the second struts. The first struts are collapsed when the movable hub is in the second position, and the second struts are collapsed when the movable hub is in the third position.

Abstract: An embolic protection device comprises a tubular filter body attached to a sheath. The tubular filter body has an open upstream end and a generally closed downstream end for capturing emboli. A self-opening passage through the emboli capture end of the tubular filter body allows multiple catheters to be advanced from the sheath or otherwise into the filter body simultaneously or sequentially. The sheath is attached to a peripheral support structure near the emboli capture end of the filter body to facilitate deployment and retrieval of the filter body through a restraining delivery catheter.

Abstract: The embolic protection device comprises an embolic filter attached to an inner sheath. The embolic filter includes at least a first catheter access port and a second catheter port. At least the first catheter port will typically be radially expandable to receive catheters of different diameters and will be located at an atypical end of an aero conical structure at a downstream end of the filter.

Abstract: Provided are porous, biocompatible implant bodies and materials. These materials suitably comprise a population of randomly arranged and entangled thermoplastic constituents, with at least some of the constituents being bonded to one another. The implant bodies are capable of being manipulated at room temperature from a first shape to a second shape, and of maintaining the second shape at about internal body temperature. Also provided are related methods of fabricating such implants and installing the implants into a subject.

Abstract: A multi-laminar electrospun nanofiber scaffold for use in repairing a defect in a tissue substrate is provided. The scaffold includes a first layer formed by a first plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers, and a second layer formed by a second plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers. The second layer is combined with the first layer. A first portion of the scaffold includes a higher density of fibers than a second portion of the scaffold, and the first portion has a higher tensile strength than the second portion. The scaffold is configured to degrade via hydrolysis after at least one of a predetermined time or an environmental condition. The scaffold is configured to be applied to the tissue substrate containing the defect, and is sufficiently flexible to facilitate application of the scaffold to uneven surfaces of the tissue substrate, and to enable movement of the scaffold by the tissue substrate.

Abstract: A tubular patch (3) made of PGA fabric, optionally containing within it a mesh tubular support in PGA/PLA, for implantation to replace one or more urethral and/or ureteral removed segments for use in tissue reconstruction of the removed segments for the treatment of diseases such as necrosis, stenosis, tumours, trauma, iatrogenic injuries and the like, or congenital malformations.

Abstract: An endoluminal device can comprise a flexible tubular wall and a frame member. The frame member can be comprised of a shape-memory material having sides with protrusions which are partially or substantially flattened when formed together with the flexible tubular wall to thereby create a bias in the side wall of the endoluminal device that resists deformation from a desired device profile during crush loading and is thereby resistant to invaginations when deployed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-expanding vascular prosthesis for implantation in a blood vessel of a patient, comprising a hollow-cylindrical base body, a vascular prosthetic trunk having a first and a second opening, and at least two vascular prosthesis side branches which are outgoing from the vascular prosthetic trunk and are formed integrally with the vascular prosthetic trunk. The vascular prosthetic trunk has sections which comprise a tapered peripheral part, in which the vascular prosthesis side branches are mounted.

Abstract: An expandable mammary implant including a shell having an anterior face and a posterior face. The anterior has an upper pole portion and a lower pole portion meeting at an apex, and an injection zone for receiving fluid therethrough to inflate the implant. A reinforcement material is coupled to the shell in a reinforcement zone. The reinforcement material is coupled to the shell so as to at least coincide with the upper pole portion and a peripheral rim portion that extends from the posterior face upwardly into said anterior face by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A prosthesis can include a collapsible, reexpandable frame having first, second, and third sets of struts that define first and second rows of expandable cells. In some embodiments, the struts of the first, second, and third set of struts can be tapered. In some embodiments, the frame can include an intermediate section and an inflow section that is proximal to the intermediate section. The inflow section can include a concave saddle portion that is adjacent the intermediate section, and an outwardly flared portion.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis including a tubular stent, a prosthetic valve component disposed within and secured to the stent, and a centering mechanism coupled to and encircling an outer surface of the tubular stent. The centering mechanism includes a self-expanding centering ring having an expanded diameter in the expanded configuration that is greater than an expanded diameter of the tubular stent in the expanded configuration and a plurality of self-expanding spokes radially extending between the tubular stent and the centering ring. The centering mechanism may include a base ring and/or a skirt. Alternatively, the centering mechanism includes a plurality of self-expanding loops. When each loop is in a delivery configuration the loop has a straightened profile that proximally extends from a proximal end of the tubular stent. When each loop is in an expanded configuration the loop has a U-shaped profile radially spaced apart from the tubular stent.

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 method of implanting a prosthetic mitral heart valve includes advancing a guidewire through a femoral vein, an atrial septum, and a native mitral valve. A guide catheter is advanced over the guidewire and a delivery catheter is advanced through the guide catheter. A mitral valve assembly is disposed along a distal end of the delivery catheter. The mitral valve assembly includes a stent and a valve having three leaflets. The stent has a flared inlet end, an outlet end, and an intermediate portion with a plurality of prongs disposed along its outer surface. The mitral valve assembly is deployed with the flared inlet end positioned in a left atrium and the intermediate portion positioned between native mitral valve leaflets. The prongs penetrate surrounding tissue for preventing upward migration of the mitral valve assembly and the flared inlet end is shaped for preventing downward migration.

Abstract: A device for gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an outer tube extending in an elongated direction, a capture tool moveable in the outer tube between a contained position and a use position, and a tissue securing component disposed at a distal end of the outer tube and adapted to be applied to tissue captured by the capture tool and to hold the captured tissue in a gathered configuration. The capture tool may include two grasping members that are moveable relative to one another in the elongated direction. Each grasping member may have a proximal portion and a plurality of fingers or barbs. The grasping members may be operable to capture tissue of the heart valve leaflet therebetween and to draw the captured tissue into the outer tube in the gathered configuration.

Abstract: A system for repairing an atrioventricular valve of a patient is provided. First and second tissue-engaging elements are configured for implantation at first and second implantation sites of the patient, respectively. First and second flexible longitudinal members are coupled at respective first end portions thereof to the first and the second tissue-engaging elements, respective. Each of the first and the second flexible longitudinal members comprises a braided polyester suture or a plurality of wires that are intertwined to form a rope structure. First and second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements are coupled to respective second end portions of the first and the second flexible longitudinal members. The first and the second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements are configured to be couplable together during an implantation procedure to couple together the first and the second flexible longitudinal elements.

Abstract: Methods and devices for transvascular prosthetic chordae tendinea implantation are disclosed. A catheter is advanced into the left atrium to attach a leaflet anchor having a leaflet suture to a mitral valve leaflet. A ventricular anchor has a hub with a helical anchor and a core wire extending through the helical anchor. A radiopaque marker may be axially movably carried on the core wire, and a spring biases the marker in a distal direction. The marker is advanced proximally on the tissue surface relative to the helical anchor as the helical anchor is advanced distally into tissue to secure a ventricular suture to the ventricular wall. A leaflet suture and the ventricular suture may be tensioned and connected by a suture lock to form an artificial chordae.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a protective device for use in congestive heart failure treatments, and other treatments, includes a control mechanism, an elongate shaft, and a protective plate. The control mechanism is coupled with a proximal end of the elongate shaft and the protective plate is pivotably coupled with a distal end of the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft enables the protective plate to be inserted within a body and navigated distally of a heart wall. The protective plate has a relatively wide and thin body portion and is pivotable relative to the elongate shaft by operation of the control mechanism. Pivoting and/or navigating of the protective plate within the body allows the protective plate to be positioned adjacent the heart wall to shield body organs or tissue surrounding the heart wall from being damaged by surgical instruments inserted through the heart wall.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying one or more tensile member to bring a wall of the heart and a septum of the heart into contact. A plurality of tension members may help exclude scar tissue and provide a more effective remaining ventricle chamber. The implant may be deployed during beating of the heart, often in a minimally invasive or less-invasive manner. Trauma to the tissues of the heart may be inhibited by selectively approximating tissues while a pressure within the heart is temporarily reduced. Three-dimensional implant locating devices and systems facilitate beneficial heart chamber volumetric shape remodeling.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology include a method of making a bone composite graft for administration to a patient. The method may include combining a human cadaveric bone material with a plurality of polymethyl methacrylate binder particles and spincasting the combined human cadaveric bone material and polymethyl methacrylate binder particles to produce the bone composite graft. The method may also include ablating the bone composite graft to increase the surface area of bone material exposed. The human cadaveric bone material may be immobilized in the plurality of polymethyl methacrylate binder particles. The human cadaveric bone material may be present in an amount that is 50 weight percent of the bone composite graft, or less. Additionally, the bone composite graft may have a yield strength that is at least 13,000 N/cm2 and no greater than 15,000 N/cm2.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant. Such implants function to pad cartilage defects, cushion, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. The walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability so as to enable immediate limb use after outpatient surgery. Appendages of the implant may repair or reconstruct tendons or ligaments, and menisci by interpositional inflatable or compliant polymer arthroplasties that promote anatomic joint motion.

Abstract: Arthroplasty implants replace an articulating surface of a bone joint such as bone joints of the foot, and is characterized by a three-component device comprising a bone screw, a button, and a cap. The button incorporates knurling on its distal end to fixate onto bone, a center hole, a spherical pocket to mate with the bone screw for stabilization, and a proximal retention structure to mate with the cap. The bone screw incorporates distal bone (cortical) threads or threading, a spherical head, and a drive structure used to insert the bone screw through the hole of the button and into the bone (e.g. a distal segment of the first metatarsal). The cap incorporates a distal mating structure that retains the cap onto the button, a proximal smooth spherical head that mates with the distal surface of the bone (e.g. a phalange bone), and a tang that prevents rotation after implantation.

Abstract: A fusion implant and fusion members for fusing target bones of an upper extremity. The fusion implant including internally threaded apertures of a first thread lead, and the fusion members including threading of the first thread lead and threading of a second thread lead that is less than the first thread lead. The fusion implant and a targeting instrument being configured to couple to one another in a predefined orientation. The predetermined orientation resulting in alignment of aspects of the fusion implant with aspects of the targeting instrument. A guide clamp for facilitating forming of an implant cavity in adjacent bones for implantation of the fusion implant therein. A surgical method for facilitating fusion of adjacent target bones utilizing a fusion implant, fusion members, a targeting instrument and a guide clamp to reduce space between the adjacent bones such that they at least abut one another.

Abstract: A laterally deflectable asymmetric implant for implanting into a body may comprise a deflectable piece having distal and proximal ends and assuming a straightened insertion state. The backbone may abut or interconnect with said deflectable piece at the distal end of the deflectable piece. In a fully deflected state the implant may define an asymmetric shape, e.g. a D-shaped loop, defining an at least partially enclosed volume. The deflectable piece may comprise a sequence of segments interconnected at effective hinges. Longitudinal pressure applied to the proximal end of the deflectable piece (or applied to the backbone in an opposite direction) may cause relative longitudinal movement between the backbone and the proximal end of the deflectable piece and may generate outward horizontal movement of the deflectable piece away from the backbone. In one embodiment, the implant is implanted using lateral access into an anterior zone of a vertebra and deployed posteriorly.

Abstract: A spinal implant configured for positioning within a space between adjacent vertebral bodies includes an upper end plate including an outer surface extending between first and second end surfaces and opposed side surfaces. The outer surface includes a first convex profile extending between the first and second end surfaces and a second convex profile extending between the opposed side surfaces. The first convex profile and the second convex profile have different curvatures. The spinal implant further includes a lower end plate and a core disposed between the upper and lower end plates and coupled thereto. A method of assembling a spinal implant and a method of performing spinal surgery are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: 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. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: A spine implant for a TLIF surgical procedure is configured to be steered into place during implantation in conjunction with a complementary insertion instrument. The cage of the implant is constrained to a limited range of rotation about a post carried by the cage. The insertion instrument is configured to hold the post while controllably rotating the cage relative to the post in order to angularly position the implant during implantation. Range of rotational motion is controlled by the configuration of a groove in the post. A retaining pin of the implant extends from the cage into the groove of the post to rotationally connect the cage to the post.

Abstract: A supporting module, a motion assistance apparatus including the supporting module, and a method of controlling the motion assistance apparatus are provided. The supporting module may include a supporting member configured to enclose at least a portion of a support object, and a sensor module configured to sense information regarding whether the support object is out of a neutral position with respect to the supporting member.

Abstract: A magnetic and electrical interface that may be used with an assistive device. The interface comprises a proximal connector and a distal connector. The proximal connector may be attached to a liner for a residual limb and the distal connector may be attached to a hard socket or other aspect of an assistive device. Other aspects of and uses for the connector interface are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted suspension system includes a prosthetic foot and a pump mechanism connected to the foot and fluidly couplable to a prosthetic socket. The pump mechanism includes an elongate pivoting member rotatable relative to the prosthetic foot about a joint and including a distal recess. A piston is connected to the foot and is movably received in the recess. A fluid chamber is defined between the piston and the interior of the recess. When no weight is placed on the foot a volume of the fluid chamber is zero or near-zero and when weight of a user is placed on the prosthetic foot the pivoting member rotates away from the piston and expands the volume of the fluid chamber to draw fluid into the fluid chamber from the prosthetic socket.

Abstract: A device includes a balloon and an interface. The balloon has an outer surface and a central lumen aligned on a longitudinal axis. The balloon is configured to receive a compressible fluid. The interface is coupled to the outer surface and has an external surface configured to bond with a tissue.

Abstract: A personalized prosthesis for implantation at a treatment site of a patient includes a self-expanding mesh or membrane having collapsed and expanded configurations. The collapsed configuration is adapted to be delivered to the treatment site, and the expanded configuration engages the personalized prosthesis with the treatment site. The mesh or membrane is personalized to match the treatment site in the expanded configuration, and has an outer surface that substantially matches the treatment site shape and size. The self-expanding mesh or membrane forms a central lumen configured to allow blood or other body fluids to flow therethrough. Methods of manufacturing and delivery of the personalized prosthesis are also disclosed.

Abstract: Stents formed from dissimilar materials configured to control tissue growth. A stent may be formed from a composite wire helically wound into a stent having a tubular configuration. The composite wire includes a first wire and a second wire coupled together, the first and second wires being formed from dissimilar metals such that a potential difference is formed when the dissimilar metals are exposed to bodily fluids. The potential difference is configured to inhibit cell proliferation and thereby control tissue growth around the stent after implantation. A stent may be formed from a hollow composite wire including an inner member that includes first and second longitudinal strips formed from dissimilar metals. A stent may be formed from a composite wire having a plurality of windows along a length of the composite wire. An insert formed from a dissimilar metal is disposed within each window of the plurality of windows.

Abstract: A strand made of a platinum alloy material is prevented from protruding from both ends of a stent when some strands of the stent are disposed using the strand made of the platinum alloy material. In a stent (10) which is formed by helicoidally braiding a plurality of strands, some strands among the plurality of strands are disposed using a strand made of a platinum alloy material, and a length of the strand made of the platinum alloy material is made shorter than lengths of other strands by a length of the strand made of the platinum alloy material which is estimated to protrude from the stent.

Abstract: An elastic ring, defining an inner opening, an outer contour and an annular bearing surface between the inner opening and the outer contour. The ring is deformable between a rest position and an insertion position in which the inner opening has a diameter greater than its diameter in the rest position. The ring is also elastically biased towards the rest position. The ring includes at least three strands passing through the ring, each strand having a first end and a second end positioned on the outer contour, the inner contour of the opening being defined by a portion of each strand and having a pseudo-polygonal shape.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for transcatheter detachment of a stent from a delivery device. A braided suture with an opening is inserted through a restraining hole in a glide (the opening is secured on one side by a knot or a series of knots) and a release line is inserted through the braided suture opening. The braided suture is thus prevented from pulling through the restraining hole while the release line is through the opening. The braided suture is free to pass through the restraining hole after the release line is pulled out of the opening and thereafter pulled free of stent holes formed through a stent, thereby detaching the stent at a desired location.

Abstract: A medical implant delivery system is described. The system can be used to deliver a variety of implants including stents and/or stent grafts. The delivery system retains the implant during delivery and detaches the implant at a target location.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided.

Abstract: A blocking device for fastening orthoses used in the orthopedic-rehabilitation sector to parts of the body of a person comprises a casing housing a cable wound on a reel by the rotation of a knob restrained to the casing during the winding stage and partially releasable from the casing by pushing and/or pulling the knob, in order to operate with respect to a ratchet-type non-return system, wherein the ratchet-type non-return system consists of elastic tabs which are part of the casing, and an inner toothed edge of the knob.

Abstract: An orthopedic device (1) for limiting the movement of a joint arranged between a first and a second region of a body is provided. The device includes at least one receptacle (2) that can be fixed on the first region of the body, and an extension element (3) that can be fixed on the second region of the body and is movable relative to the receptacle (2), wherein a volume filled with a dilatant fluid (4) is provided between the receptacle (2) and the extension element (3).

Abstract: An orthotic device according to embodiments of the present invention includes a substantially rigid internal footbed with an external rocker bottom, two struts rigidly coupled to the footbed, a paddle coupled to each strut, each paddle having an inner surface configured to face a limb of a patient, and a strap system configured to interface with the paddles for tightening around the limb, the inner surfaces of the paddles including a plurality of protrusions configured to minimize sliding of the first and second paddles with respect to the limb or with respect to a cast applied to the limb. The orthotic device may include two or more support layers on the footbed, each layer having a support aperture larger than and at least partially overlapping the support aperture below.

Abstract: An orthopedic device, first and second struts, and a range-of-motion limiting pivot assembly connecting to the first and second struts. The pivoting assembly having an engagement member linked to a tab disposed and arranged for pulling radially outward away from a central axis of the pivoting assembly for adjusting the range of motion of the pivoting assembly.

Abstract: A knee brace to stabilize the patella has a main body positionable over the knee, a hinged longitudinal support assembly, a buttress, a buttress retention flap overlaying the buttress, a cam positioned proximal to the support assembly and a tensioning line. The buttress is positioned against the side of the knee opposite the support assembly and applies a variable compression force to the knee. The tensioning line engages the cam and operatively connects it to the buttress via the buttress retention flap to automatically vary the compression force applied to the knee in response to rotation of the support assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting an arm of a user using a harness configured to be worn on a body of a user; and an arm support coupled to the harness configured to support an arm of the user, the arm support configured to accommodate movement of the arm while following the movement without substantially interfering with the movement of the user's arm. One or more compensation elements may be coupled to the arm support to apply an offset force to at least partially offset a gravitational force acting on the arm as the user moves and the arm support follows the movement of the user's arm, the one or more compensation elements providing a force profile that varies the offset force based on an orientation of the arm support.