Abstract: A lighting-enabled interdental brush of the present application includes an interdental brush and a delivery component, where a guide head, a housing, and a lighting system are disposed on the delivery component, the interdental brush is installed on the guide head, and the lighting system can provide lighting for the interdental brush; therefore, a lighting condition in an oral cavity is significantly improved, the clearance between molars may be clearly observed, and a process that the interdental brush enters the tooth clearance is directly observed, which is convenient for cleaning and avoids an accidental injury to gum. An observation system is further designed on the interdental brush of the present application, by using the observation mirror or camera system during use, a process that the interdental brush enters a tooth clearance is observed directly, which is convenient for cleaning and avoids an accidental injury to the gum.

Abstract: A dental curing light includes a device body that efficiently conducts heat away from the light emitting diode portion of the curing light. The device body includes a proximal gripping end and a distal head end. The device body is formed from a thermally conductive body material. Excellent heat conduction away from the LED dies is achieved using a thermally conductive layer disposed over the device body. The thermally conductive layer serves as a conduit to quickly conduct heat away from the LED dies for dissipation within the material of the device body In this manner, the material of the device body serves as a highly efficient heat dissipater. The surface area coupling the thermally conductive layer to the device body is sufficiently large that a majority (e g, substantially all) of heat being conducted by the thermally conductive layer is transferred to the device body during operation of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a root canal length measuring device including: a measuring module configured to include a file hook electrically connected to an endodontic file, and a lip hook to be connected to a lip or a gum; a control module configured to measure the value of impedance which varies as the file moves from the surface of a tooth toward the apex of the root of the tooth, and provide an image signal or a sound signal representing information on the position of the apex of the root and information on the length of the apex of the root; and a communication module configured to receive the image signal or the sound signal from the control module, and wirelessly transmit the received signal to a smart device in real time.

Abstract: An occlusal state identifying method executed by a processor included in an occlusal state identifying apparatus, the occlusal state identifying method includes obtaining maxillary shape data and mandibular shape data; arranging a maxillary image including a plurality of maxillary teeth corresponding to the obtained maxillary shape data and a mandibular image including a plurality of mandibular teeth corresponding to the obtained mandibular shape data such that corresponding teeth oppose each other; executing a moving process of moving at least one of the arranged maxillary image and mandibular image by executing a dynamic simulation; and identifying a positional relationship between the maxillary image and the mandibular image after the moving process as a positional relationship corresponding to an occlusal state of the maxillary teeth included in the maxillary image and the mandibular teeth included in the mandibular image.

Abstract: Wax-based compositions for making barrier layers used in oral treatment devices are thermally stable when formed into a flat sheet or three-dimensional article to a temperature of at least 45° C. and are plastically deformable at room temperature (25° C.). The wax-based compositions include a wax fraction homogeneously blended with a polymer fraction. The wax fraction includes at least one wax and the polymer fraction includes at least one polymer selected such that, when the at least one wax and at least one polymer are homogeneously blended together, they yield a wax-based composition having the desired properties of thermal stability and plastic deformability. Barrier layers in oral treatment devices made from such wax-based compositions are dimensionally stable to a temperature of at least 40° C. without external support and can be plastically deformed in a user's mouth to become at least partially customized to the size and shape of user's unique dentition.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an oral care device includes a flexible base substrate, a power source disposed on the base substrate, and first and second electrodes electrically connected to the power source. Also disclosed are methods of using the same, for example, for whitening the teeth or for treating other conditions in the oral cavity.

Abstract: An imaging bed for use with test subjects that keeps the subject sedated and warm throughout the imaging process. In embodiments, the bed uses radiant heating or cooling by pushing a heated or chilled fluid through the bed to control the temperature of the test subject during the imaging process. The imaging bed can also incorporate an integrated anesthesia channel. In embodiments, an exhaust channel removes the cool air, as well as the unused anesthesia from the imaging bed though an exhaust port. Various embodiments include a docking mechanism for easy connection of anesthesia to the bed, as well as an adapter for fitting smaller or multiple subjects simultaneously within the imaging bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis (1) for hernia repair comprising a reinforcement layer (2), a first barrier layer (3) of anti-adhesion material covering at least a part of a surface of the reinforcement layer, and a second barrier layer of anti-adhesion material covering a remaining part of the surface of the reinforcement layer, the second barrier layer being formed of one or more flap member(s) (4).

Abstract: A deployment device for positioning a soft tissue repair prosthesis includes a self-expanding support body releasably attachable to the prosthesis. The support body may be removably insertable into a pocket of the prosthesis. A handle coupled to the support body facilitates positioning the patch and/or removal of the support body from the pocket. The support body may substantially occupy the pocket in an expanded configuration. The handle may be arranged to direct a pulling force to the outer peripheral edge of the support body and/or cause a portion thereof to be pulled downward and below the body during withdrawal of the deployment device from the prosthesis. The support body may include support segments pivotally coupled together and foldable to collapse the support body for insertion into and removal from the pocket. One or more resilient support members may be provided for collapsing and expanding the support body and the prosthesis.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward prosthesis that may include a first graft component and a second graft component coupled to the first graft component. The prosthesis may also include a gap or a space between the first graft component and the second graft component.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent graft includes a stent graft body that defines exactly one main body opening and at least two exit openings. The stent graft body includes at least one stent attached to a graft fabric material, and includes a dividing wall that divides a combined flow path, into a first flow path and a second flow path that each terminate at one of the respective exit openings. The dividing wall includes a thickness profile that terminates at a leading edge radius that extends across a width of the combined flow path.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a prosthesis includes deploying the prosthesis in a vessel. A delivery system including an anchor constrained within a delivery sheath is advanced to the prosthesis. The prosthesis and a vessel wall of the vessel are penetrated with a leading tip of an exterior tine of the anchor, wherein the exterior tine unfolds upon passing through the prosthesis and the vessel wall. An interior tine is deployed within the prosthesis and vessel wall. In the final deployed state, the exterior tine is exterior to and adjacent the vessel wall, the interior tine is interior to and adjacent the prosthesis, and a tine connector of the anchor extends through the vessel wall and the prosthesis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some aspects, to orthopaedic implants for securing soft tissue to bone and methods for using the same. One particular implant comprises a first exposed porous surface region, having pores for promoting bone ingrowth, and a second exposed porous surface, having pores for promoting soft tissue ingrowth. At least some of the pores of the first exposed porous surface region may be seeded with osteocytic factors and at least some of the pores of the second exposed porous surface region may be seeded with fibrocytic factors. Such orthopaedic implants can advantageously facilitate regeneration of the soft tissue to bone interface.

Abstract: Knotless self-locking constructs and methods of tissue repairs. A flexible coupler creates a plurality of closed, knotless, continuous, adjustable, flexible loops having adjustable perimeters, the loops being located between a loop interconnection and two terminal ends. A weave region having an accordion configuration and a plurality of locking points is provided between each terminal end and each closed, knotless, continuous, adjustable, flexible loop.

Abstract: A tonic ophthalmic lens is described in which refractivity of the lens differs between a first direction on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens and a second direction which differs from the first direction on the plane. In addition, refractivity difference which is the difference between the refractivity in the first direction and the refractivity in the second direction varies depending on a position of the lens in a radial direction.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein include improved toric lenses and other ophthalmic apparatuses (including, for example, contact lens, intraocular lenses (IOLs), and the like) and associated method for their design and use. In an embodiment, an ophthalmic apparatus (e.g., a toric lens) includes one or more angularly-varying phase members comprising a diffractive or refractive structure, each varying the depths of focus of the apparatus so as to provide an extended tolerance to misalignment of the apparatus when implanted in an eye. That is, the ophthalmic apparatus establishes an extended band of operational meridian over the intended correction meridian.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens implant is provided that includes (a) a bowl-shaped posterior component and (b) an anterior component, which includes an anterior floating lens unit, which includes an anterior lens; a circumferential rim; and levers, which connect the anterior floating lens unit to the circumferential rim, such that the anterior floating lens unit is movable toward and away from the circumferential ring in an anterior-posterior direction. The bowl-shaped posterior component and the anterior component are distinct from each other and not permanently fixed to each other, and are shaped so as to be assemblable together in situ in a human eye such that the circumferential rim contacts an interface region of an inner surface of the bowl-shaped posterior component, and the levers are pivotable about the interface region during motion of the anterior floating lens unit toward and away from the circumferential ring in the anterior-posterior direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a customized ossicular prosthesis suitable for treatment of conductive hearing loss due to ossicular chain defects, and a method and system for manufacturing the same. Medical imaging equipment can detect specifically designated landmarks in normal human middle ear ossicles, including significant anatomic differences in those structures. Those anatomic features are used to generate a customized ossicular prosthesis specifically configured for a particular patient's anatomy using 3D printing techniques and devices.

Abstract: An adjustable base plate for use with a tracheotomy stoma includes a flexible membrane and a base component having an accessory mounting portion disposed in a center of the flexible membrane and adapted to mount a tracheostoma accessory. The base plate defines a conically shaped region formed by a plurality of conforming members extending radially from the accessory mounting portion that are laterally spaced from one another and connected to one another by a plurality of web portions formed by the flexible membrane. An adhesive material is applied to the flexible membrane.

Abstract: A modular valve prosthesis includes an anchor stent and a valve component. The anchor stent includes a self-expanding tubular frame member configured to be deployed in the aorta and a proximal arm component extending from a proximal end of the tubular frame member and configured to be deployed in the sinuses of the aortic valve. The anchor stent further includes attachment members extending from an internal surface of the tubular frame member. The valve component includes a valve frame configured to be deployed within the tubular frame member of the anchor stent such that the valve frame engages with the attachment members of the tubular frame member and a prosthetic valve coupled to the valve frame.

Abstract: A method of deploying a prosthesis within a native mitral valve is disclosed. The expandable frame preferably includes about twelve proximal anchors, wherein the proximal anchors have free ends positioned radially outwardly from the frame in an expanded configuration. The expandable frame preferably includes about twelve distal anchors, wherein the distal anchors also have a free ends positioned radially outwardly from the frame and extend toward a proximal end when the frame is in the expanded configuration. A valve body is supported within the frame for preventing blood flow in one direction. The expandable frame is radially expanded during deployment, which causes the free ends of the proximal and distal anchors to move closer together. In the expanded configuration, the proximal anchors are positioned on an inflow side of the native mitral valve and the distal anchors are positioned on an outflow side of the native mitral valve.

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

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve has an upper frame section and a lower frame section. The upper frame section has a plurality of struts and a first leaflet receiving surface at a lower portion of the upper frame section. The lower frame section has a second leaflet receiving surface at an upper portion of the lower frame section. An edge of a flexible leaflet is disposed between the first and second leaflet receiving surfaces to attach the leaflet to the upper and lower frame sections.

Abstract: A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.

Abstract: Delivery systems with telescoping capsules for delivering prosthetic heart valve devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. A delivery system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a delivery capsule having a first housing, a second housing slidably disposed within a portion of the first housing, and a prosthetic device constrained within the first and second housings. The delivery capsule can further include first and second chamber defined in part by the first and second housings. During deployment, fluid is delivered to the first chamber to move the first housing distally over the second housing, thereby releasing a portion of the prosthetic device. Subsequently, fluid is delivered to the second chamber such that the first and second housings move together in the distal direction to release a second portion of the prosthetic device.

Abstract: Methods are described herein for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. In one method, ventricular anchors of the replacement mitral valve are released and allowed to reverse orientation while positioned in the left atrium of a human heart. After reversing orientation, the ventricular anchors extend in a generally proximal direction. The ventricular anchors can then be advanced through the mitral annulus into the left ventricle and then moved back toward the left atrium to capture native mitral valve leaflets between the main body and the ventricular anchors of the replacement mitral valve. In one modification, the ventricular anchors are allowed to reverse orientation at a level adjacent the mitral annulus. The implantation methods described herein are preferably performed via a transseptal delivery approach or a transapical delivery approach.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein to provide improved steerability for delivering a prosthesis to a body location, for example, for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. The delivery system can include a number of advantageous steering and delivery features, in particular for the transseptal delivery approach.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible medical device may include a handle and a delivery assembly having a compartment for receiving the medical device. A catheter member may extend from the handle to the delivery assembly. The catheter member may have a first portion with a first compliance value and a second portion with a second compliance value different from the first compliance value. An internally threaded member may be fixedly connected to the delivery assembly. An externally threaded member may have a first portion operatively connected to the actuation member and a second portion threadedly coupled to the internally threaded member so that manipulation of the actuation member causes axial movement of the compartment relative to the catheter member.

Abstract: A delivery system includes an elongate shaft, a handle, a first clasp control member, a second clasp control member, and an actuator. The handle is connected to a proximal portion of the elongate shaft. The first and second clasp control members each extend into a distal portion of the elongate shaft, through at least a portion of the elongate shaft, out of the proximal portion of the elongate shaft, and through the handle. The actuator is coupled to the handle and has a first side portion connected to the first clasp control and a second side portion connected to the second clasp control.

Abstract: A method for improving the function of a valve in the heart of a patient, comprising attaching, to a leaflet of the valve, an element that is responsive to a magnetic field; positioning, outside of the heart of the patient, a coil connected to a source of electric energy; activating the source of electric energy to provide an oscillating current in the coil; and thereby providing an oscillating magnetic field through the coil to effect movement of the element and the leaflet.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an inflatable penile prosthesis includes an inflatable member, a reservoir configured to hold fluid, and a pump assembly configured to facilitate a transfer of the fluid from the reservoir to the inflatable member when in an inflation mode, and facilitate the transfer of the fluid from the inflatable member to the reservoir when in a deflation mode. The pump assembly may include a pump, and a valve body defining at least three ports operatively coupled to the pump such that three separate fluid channels extend to the pump. The valve body defines at least one port operatively coupled to the reservoir, and at least one port operatively coupled to the inflatable member. The pump assembly includes a spool configured to move within the valve body to switch between the inflation mode and the deflation mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an implant with an attachment feature and a method for attaching to the same. The implant may include a cavity with a porous layer disposed within a non-porous layer wherein the non-porous layer defines a chamber. The chamber may receive and confine liquefiable material and direct liquefiable material to permeate through the porous layer. A method of attaching a device to the implant may include liquefying a liquefiable portion of the device and allowing the liquefied material to interdigitate with the second layer and then solidify to prevent pullout.

Abstract: A prosthetic system that includes a prosthetic implant and a support structure secured to an inner surface of a cavity of a bone is disclosed. The support structure defines a channel that extends through the length of the support structure. The prosthetic implant is received in the channel, and a portion of the prosthetic implant is secured to an inner surface of the support structure by an adhesive. The support structure may comprise a pair of partially hemispherical components arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby defining the channel between the pair of components.

Abstract: Osteoconductive synthetic bone grafts are provided in which porous metallic matrices are loaded with an osteoinductive protein. In certain embodiments, the grafts include porous ceramic granules deposited within the matrices.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant in the form of a femoral component of a knee endoprosthesis has sliding tribological surfaces formed by inserts of a ceramic material based on zirconium dioxide or aluminum oxide, which are inserted and transition flushly into a metallic base body. The inserts are connected to the base body by a silicate ceramic solder, which is solidified or hardened in a ceramic firing, and by a silicate glass solder. Discharge channels in the metallic base body help to produce a homogeneous glass solder layer and to avoid an excessively intense heat treatment of the solder connection, which could lead to fractures in the titanium oxide layer of the base body. Because a coating of a softer glass solder may be additionally provided on the sliding tribological surfaces of the inserts, the abrasive wear is further reduced and the service life is further increased.

Abstract: An expandable implant includes an implant body defining an internal void, the implant body including a plurality of interconnected linkages. A first plurality of the linkages has an expansion characteristic that is different from a second plurality of the linkages. An expandable bladder is sized to be disposed in the internal void. The bladder defines a bore configured to receive an expansion material, such that the expansion material applies an expansion force against the bladder, which thereby applies the expansion force against the implant body so as to cause the first linkage to expand greater than the second linkage. The expandable implant can be placed in a fracture location so as to restore height to a fractured target bone.

Abstract: The present invention concerns several fusion devices and methods for laterally inserting a fusion device at an initial trajectory that is not parallel to the disc space. Each fusion device incorporates components that enable flexing, bending or pivoting of the device during its final approach to the prepared disc space.

Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.

Abstract: An expandable prosthetic implant for engagement between vertebrae includes a first member having a first end, a second end, a plurality of extensions and a hollow interior portion extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the plurality of extensions extend from the first end to the second end. A second member includes a first end, a second end, a hollow interior portion extending from the first end to the second end, and a plurality of extensions extending from the second end to the first end. The plurality extensions of the first member are configured to coaxially interdigitate with the second member, and the plurality of extensions of the second member are configured to coaxially interdigitate with the first member. The first member of the implant is moveable relative to the second member along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis or disk prosthesis comprising a front side, a rear side, an upper side which can be placed on the base plate of vertebral body, a lower side which can be placed on the base plate of a vertebral body, a right side, a left side, a cavity which can receive a fluid hydraulic osteocementum, an opening in the cavity and several outlets out from the cavity. The total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SV on the front side, the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SH on the rear side, the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SR on the right side and the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets on the left side satisfy the following conditions: SL>SR or SR>SL or SH>SV or SV>SH.

Abstract: A kit includes a number of femoral prostheses of different sizes and shapes. Each femoral prostheses in the kit includes a femoral stem including a proximal end portion defining a proximal stem axis, a femoral neck portion including a lateral shoulder extending distally and laterally at an angle relative to the proximal stem axis, such that when projected onto a coronal plane including the proximal stem axis, the lateral shoulder is not parallel to the proximal stem axis. Each prostheses further includes an insertion/extraction cavity extending distally from a proximal surface of the neck portion, the cavity defining an insertion/extraction cavity axis which, when projected on to the coronal plane, is not parallel with the proximal stem axis, and the lateral shoulder of each femoral prosthesis is oriented at an angle relative to the proximal stem axis that is different from the angle of each of the other femoral prostheses.

Abstract: A robotic assembly control system is disclosed. The robotic assembly control system includes an exoskeleton apparatus adapted to be worn by a user, at least one robotic assembly, the at least one robotic assembly controlled by the user by way of the exoskeleton, and at least one mobile platform, the at least one mobile platform controlled by the user and wherein the at least one robotic assembly is attached to the at least one mobile platform.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a finger exoskeleton including a plurality of joints and a plurality of sensors configured to measure rotation of at least some of the plurality of joints of the finger exoskeleton. The finger exoskeleton also includes a series elastic actuator comprising a spring element, the series elastic actuator configured to rotate at least one of the plurality of joints. The finger exoskeleton also includes a computing device configured to control operation of the series elastic actuator based on a torque of the at least one of the plurality of joints, the torque determined at least based on the spring element and rotation of the at least one of the plurality of joints. The present disclosure also includes associated methods and hand exoskeletons.

Abstract: A jointless prosthetic foot having a leaf spring which has a distal footfall section, a connecting section and a proximal attachment section which extends in an anterior-posterior direction and to which an attachment adapter can be fixed. The attachment adapter is mounted such as to be movable along a convexly curved path in the anterior-posterior direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a running controller for a lower limb device including at least a powered knee joint are provided. The method includes collecting real-time sensor information for the lower limb device and configuring the lower limb device to a first state in a finite state model for an activity mode including the running mode. The method further includes, based on the sensor information, transitioning the lower limb device from a current state to a subsequent state in the finite state model for the detected mode when a pre-defined criteria for transitioning to the subsequent state is met, and repeating the transitioning until the activity mode changes. In the system and method, the finite state model includes at least one stance state and at least one swing state, where the at least one stance state includes at least one absorption state and at least one propulsion state.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: A vessel implant for the treatment of an aneurysm, i.e. a dilatation of the cross-sectional area of a blood vessel, may include an elongate body having an inlet opening, an outlet opening, and a passage connecting the inlet opening to the outlet opening for the blood flowing through the blood vessel. The passage may be bounded in the peripheral direction by a blood-impermeable wall and the inlet opening may have a larger cross-sectional area than the outlet opening. The body may be provided with blood-permeable fixing means for the end of the body at the outlet opening side. The fixing means may be designed for contact with the vessel wall of the blood vessel. The fixing means may be designed to hold the body spaced apart from the vessel wall of the blood vessel in the region of the outlet opening.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a double stent comprising 2 coaxially arranged stents, wherein a first membrane is arranged between a first inner stent and a second outer stent and a second membrane is arranged on the second stent and wherein the membrane ends of the first and second membrane are brought together at the ends of the stents and are folded over onto the inside of the first stent and clamped under flexible tongues of the first stent.

Abstract: An endovascular delivery system includes a bifurcated prosthesis disposed on a delivery device and a snare catheter having a snare opening system. A sheath is slidably disposed over at least a portion of the prosthesis and at least a portion of the snare catheter. One end of the snare catheter resides external to the prosthesis in the delivery system and the other end at least partially resides in a limb of the prosthesis. A snare mechanism is disposed within the snare catheter that is capable of forming a loop external to the snare catheter through the opening and snaring a guidewire for placement in a limb of the prosthesis.