Abstract: Spinal spacing implants, spinal spacer assembly, expander and insertion instruments, kits and methods of assembly and use are disclosed. The spinal implant replacement instrument kit including a distraction instrument, a spacer inserter, and a spinal implant. A distraction instrument includes a first inserter member, a second inserter member, a first arm coupled to the first inserter member, a second arm coupled to the second inserter member, a distraction system coupled to the first arm and second arm, a first handle coupled to the first arm and the distraction system, and a second handle coupled to the second arm and the distraction system. Spinal spacing implants, spinal spacer assemblies, and methods of assembling and using the implants assemblies, and instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Lamina plate assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A lamina plate assembly may be configured to provide lamina support following laminectomy, for example, in cervical and lumbar cases. The lamina plate assembly may include a generally elongate body having a first free end, a second free end, and a posterior portion disposed between the first free end and the second free end. Different embodiments of securing portions are used to secure the lamina plate assembly to a vertebra.

Abstract: An acetabular joint prosthesis may be designed to replace an acetabular articular surface. The prosthesis can include an acetabular cup, an augment, and an augment-securing mechanism configured to secure the augment to the cup. The mechanism can be reconfigured between an unlocked configuration in which a slider is slidable along a guide feature and a locked configuration in which the slider or guide feature is in an expanded form such that the slider is fixed in place relative to the guide feature. An unlocked configuration may include the augment-securing mechanism allowing rotation between the augment and the cup, with the augment being securable to the augment in multiple rotational positions. Also, the prosthesis may be configured to facilitate actuation between the unlocked and locked configurations, including moving an instrument to the prosthesis in an access direction that is substantially perpendicular to a rim of the cup.

Abstract: A hip joint prosthesis adapted to be implanted in a hip joint of a human patient is provided. The hip joint prosthesis comprises a first area and a second area, and wherein said first area comprises a first material adapted to be elastic and said second area comprises a second material adapted to be elastic, and wherein said first material is adapted to be more elastic than said second material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides knee prostheses that replicate at least a portion of the function of an individual patient's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). An exemplary knee prosthesis includes a femoral component configured to be implanted on the distal end of the patient's femur and a tibial component configured to be implanted on the proximal end of the patient's tibia. In extension, the femoral component and the tibial component may cooperate to limit anterior movement of the tibial component relative to the femoral component. In flexion, the femoral component may be free to rotate relative to the tibial component.

Abstract: A total knee prosthesis to be implanted in a human patient includes a femoral element having a longitudinal axis, a tibial plateau having a longitudinal axis and a mobile plate. The mobile plate is interposed between the femoral element and the tibial plateau to form two joints with them wherein: a) the surfaces of mutual friction of the femoral element with the mobile plate and the surfaces of mutual friction of the tibial plateau with the mobile plate are entirely constituted by one and the same massive ceramic material; and b) the mobile plate includes two condylar bowls, and the femoral element includes two condyles, the condyles and the condylar bowls each having surfaces of mutual friction spaced apart from each other by a distance smaller than 100 ?m when the longitudinal axes of the femoral element and the tibial plateau form an angle of 0° to 75°.

Abstract: An implant can be used for the treatment of fat pad atrophy. The implant can be installed in the ball of the foot, the heel of the foot, the hands, or other areas. The implant can supplement or replace a patient's fat pads. In some instances, the implant can include an implant pad having a non-permeable external lining and an internal cavity enclosed by the external lining. The internal cavity can include a filler material. The implant can include features that resist rupture and/or migration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable interbody fusion implant that is configured to have an initial configuration having a first footprint width suitable for being inserted into an intervertebral space and an expanded configuration having a second footprint width that is greater than the first footprint width. The implant may include a first body member and a second body member that is pivotally coupled to the first body member. The implant may be expanded using an inflatable balloon. The implant may be expanded bilaterally such that both body members rotate relative to the other or the implant may be expanded unilaterally such that one of the body members rotates relative to the other.

Abstract: A sacro-iliac implant includes a body having a proximal portion and a distal tip. The proximal portion includes an inner surface and a uniform diameter. The inner surface includes a first mating surface engageable with a first instrument surface and a second mating surface engageable with a second instrument surface. Systems, constructs, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A corpectomy implant is comprised of multiple layers of structural elements having a generalized helical geometry. These elements are separated by structural elements having an undulating planar geometry. The corpectomy implant also includes centrally located structural elements that have a closed loop geometry.

Abstract: Interbody fusion devices, interbody fusion device systems, insertion tools, methods for assembling an interbody fusion device, and methods a method for inserting a medical device between two vertebral bodies are disclosed. The interbody fusion device includes a body member with a pivot cylinder, a superior member with a pivot channel that is configured to engage the pivot cylinder, and a movement mechanism for moving the superior member relative to the body member. The interbody fusion device systems may include an interbody fusion device and an insertion tool. Also disclosed is a method of assembling an interbody fusion device. In addition, a method for inserting a medical device between two vertebral bodies in a spine is disclosed.

Abstract: An osteotome suitable for cutting through cancellous bone that is holding an orthopaedic implant requiring revision within a cavity of a bone, comprises a cylindrical waveguide connectable to a source of ultrasonic vibrations at its proximal end and a blade having a hollow part-cylindrical cross-section and a cutting edge at its distal tip. The respective longitudinal axes of the waveguide and the blade cross at an angle of about 30°, and the waveguide and blade taper and curve smoothly together where they meet. The osteotome is dimensioned such that a first antinode of the ultrasoncic vibrations is located at a proximal end of the waveguide, a second antinode is located at the distal tip of the blade and a node is located where the waveguide and blade meet. The osteotome cuts readily through cancellous bone when ultrasonically energized.

Abstract: An expandable fusion cage system includes an expandable fusion cage having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a hinge portion coupling the lower portion and the upper portion at their distal ends. Positioned between the upper and lower portions is an expansion element that when moved in the proximal direction causes the cage to expand at its proximal end. The system can also include inserter instruments, expandable distraction instruments, and bone funnels.

Abstract: A prosthesis including a socket configured to receive a residual limb, a pylon attached to the socket, the pylon comprising at least one fin, and an artificial foot attached to an end portion of the pylon.

Abstract: An improved method of determining prosthetic alignment utilizes a system which includes multiple movable laser units and an integrated scale to measure angles and other variables of an uninjured leg of a patient based on anatomical landmarks, compare those to angles and variables of an amputated side, and make adjustments to a prosthetic device utilized for the amputated side based on the comparison to ensure proper alignment. For example, the amount of tilt to the side of the prosthetic socket, the amount of tilt to the front and back of the prosthetic socket, the amount of tilt of the prosthetic foot on the sagittal plane, the displacement of the prosthetic foot on the sagittal plane, the rotation of the prosthetic foot on the transverse plane, and the height of the prosthetic device can thereby be adjusted based on measured parameters of the uninjured leg to ensure proper alignment.

Abstract: A system for treating a body lumen including a first stent configured to be positioned in a body lumen and a second stent configured to be positioned in the lumen of the first stent prior to removing the first stent from the body lumen. The first stent includes a liner disposed radially inward of the tubular scaffold of the first stent to permit tissue ingrowth within a tissue ingrowth region defined between the liner and the tubular scaffold. The retrieval stent is configured to be expanded within the previously implanted first stent to cause tissue to recede from the tissue ingrowth region to facilitate removal of the first stent from the body lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable apparatus and methods of use thereof for treating congestive heart failure. An apparatus of this invention may be anchored by implantation of a section of the apparatus within in a branch pulmonary artery, for example the left pulmonary artery, which then positions and anchors another section, for example a device frame section of the apparatus within the main pulmonary artery. A medical device may be attached to the anchored device frame.

Abstract: An intravascular stent (100, 200, 300) comprises a framework with openings and at least one radiopaque structure (103, 201, 301). Each radiopaque structure (103, 201, 301) comprises fixed bodies and radiopaque markers (105, 208, 307) filled in the fixed bodies. The fixed bodies are connected with the framework, and are at least partially disposed in the openings. The envelope enclosed area of all the radiopaque markers (105, 208, 307) in each radiopaque structure (103, 201, 301) is less than or equal to 2 mm2, and a sum of effective areas of all the radiopaque markers (105, 208, 307) in each radiopaque structure (103, 201, 301) is greater than or equal to 0.15 mm2, and a ratio of said sum of effective areas to said envelope enclosed area is greater than or equal to 1:5. The radiopaque structure (103, 201, 301) has a desirable visibility, and does not substantially affect the crimped diameter of the intravascular stent (100, 200, 300).

Abstract: A delivery system is equipped with a self expanding stent for implantation into a blood vessel, in particular in the region of the aortic arch. The stent has a hollow cylindrical body which is radially compressed for implantation. A pull-back sheath which surrounds the stent and which radially compresses it is also provided for positioning and releasing the stent in the blood vessel. The pull-back sheath has a highly flexible front section which surrounds the stent and which maintains said stent in its compressed state, and has further a more rigid rear section which is connected to the front section and which is designed to transmit torsional and traction forces to the front section.

Abstract: A tool for use in loading a transcatheter valve prosthesis within a delivery catheter includes a body portion, a pivotable element and a biasing element. The body portion includes a central passageway extending form a proximal end to a distal end of the body portion. The central passageway is configured to receive a distal portion of a delivery catheter therethrough. The pivotable element is attached to the body portion and is configured to secure a tether during loading of a transcatheter valve prosthesis within the delivery catheter. The biasing element compresses the pivotable element against the body portion such that the pivotable element holds a second end against the delivery catheter and secures the tether thereto. The pivotable element may be two or more pivotable elements.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to prepare protein conjugates from proteins having at least two cysteines. In one embodiment, a protein with a disulfide linkage is reduced to provide two free cysteines for reaction with a 1,3-dihaloacetone or similar reactant, linking the sulfur atoms of the two cysteines together. The ketone inserted between the sulfur atoms is then used to form a Schiff base to an aminated payload molecule, thus conjugating the protein to a payload. In another embodiment, two cysteine residues are tied together by reaction with a 1,3-dihaloacetone or similar reactant. The linkage between the sulfur atoms in each case holds the protein or peptide in a constrained conformation, while also providing a convenient place for attaching a payload with good specificity and efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transpyloric device for accepting chyme from the stomach and conducting said chyme on in a bypass-like manner through a patient's duodenum; said device is held in place by balloon segments which sit on a preferably radially collapsible and self-erecting transpyloric conducting element; the filling level of the balloon segments, and thus the axial sealing force acting primarily on the shoulder surfaces of the pylorus or the surrounding area thereof, can be adjusted by the user, and the force applied to the stomach and duodenum structures adjoining the pylorus is reduced to a level that is permanently bearable for the organs even when the filling pressure of the segments rolling against each other is elevated. The invention also relates to an applicator for putting a bypass device of said type in place in the region of the transition from the stomach to the duodenum.

Abstract: The magnetorheological (MAR) medical brace includes a flexible outer shell that fits around the anatomical area to be braced and a plurality of adjustable straps for securing the shell onto the anatomical area. The shell encases a MAR pack filled with magnetorheological fluid or gel. A plurality of magnets is attached to or encased in the shell to provide magnetic field acting on the MAR pack. The interaction of the magnetic field with the MAR pack adjustably increases or decreases the stiffness of the shell depending on the strength of the magnetic field. A control mechanism is provided for selective adjustment of the magnetic field and other functions.

Abstract: An orthosis for increasing range of motion of a body joint. The orthosis includes a rotational linkage mechanism having a driving link and a driven link configured for rotation about a joint axis. The driven link is selectively attachable to a body part to rotate the body part about the joint axis. A dynamic force mechanism is operatively connected between the driving link and driven link to impart a dynamic force upon the driven link when the driving link rotates relative to the driven link and the driven link resists rotation with the driving link due to a resistance force imparted on the driven link by the body part reaching a maximum range of motion. The dynamic force is transferred through the driven link to the body part.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a leg protector. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, disclosed is a leg protector which can protect a wearer's foot and leg and is made of an elastic material, the leg protector comprising: a bottom plate part for supporting a wearer's foot; and a protection part connected to the upper side of the bottom plate part, extending upward therefrom, and formed to cover at least a part of the side and rear portions of the wearer's foot and leg, wherein the protection part includes, on both the left and right sides of the ankle portion thereof, an opening part through which regions corresponding to the wearer's malleoli are exposed to the outside.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods correction of spinal deformity that overcome current limitations by utilizing a dynamic, multi-segment torso orthosis that allows motion during wear. The disclosed embodiments utilize a series of elastically coupled segments that conform to the circumference of the torso of a patient. Adjustable elastic coupling mechanisms are utilized to create and alter forces and moments that are applied to the torso through the segments. These elastic coupling mechanisms also allows each circumferential segment to move relative to the other segments giving the brace dynamic capability.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a belt and a shoulder harness, the latter attachable to a user about the thorax. The belt is extensible about a user below user's chest or thorax. Two bungee cords are attachable one at its ends to the user's hands, and the other at its ends to the user's feet. An elongate strip has a pair of parallel adjacent channels, the hand bungee traversing the upper channel and the feet bungee traversing the lower channel. The two channels are connected a back portion of the shoulder harness. Two shoulder straps are each fixed at one end to the belt and are continuous with the back portion of the shoulder harness.

Abstract: A thermal control unit for delivering temperature-controlled fluid to one or more patient therapy devices (e.g. pads, blankets, etc.) that are in contact with a patient is disclosed. The thermal control unit allows multiple patient therapy devices to be fluidly coupled thereto and to individually monitor the temperatures, flow rates, and/or connections/disconnections of the patient therapy devices. A user interface enables a user to designate outlet ports to the therapy devices as active or inactive, and the control unit provides notifications to the user if any of the active ports experience an undesired condition, or if a patient therapy device is connected to an inactive port. The user interface further allows the user to designate one of multiple patient temperature probes as a primary probe. The primary probe is used to control the temperature of the fluid circulating through the control unit.

Abstract: A nozzle is provided herein for ophthalmic dispensers which is configured to accommodate microdosing. The nozzle includes a converging pathway. Preferably, the pathway converges so as to impart momentum to liquid passing therethrough through an increase of velocity. A tapered portion may be provided flared openly from the inlet to best accept liquid flow thereinto and provide a funneling effect into the flowpath. Preferably, the flowpath terminates at an outlet which is internally un-radiused and circumscribed by a chamfered surface.

Abstract: This invention is a handheld multipurpose device for standardizing intraocular access for injecting into or obtaining substance(s), content(s), medicine(s), or sample(s) from a human eye(s) or an animal eye(s), in any age group(s), once a specific marker(s) is placed at corneal scleral Limbus.

Abstract: A contact lens tool kit for placement of a contact lens on an eye is provided. The tool kit may include a contact lens tool. The contact lens tool may include an outer edge for selectively engaging a contact lens. The tool kit may also include a lens housing for containing a contact lens, the lens housing selectively engageable with the tool. Engagement of the tool and the lens housing permits reception of the contact lens by the contact lens tool and disengagement of the two permits removal of the contact lens by the tool. The lens housing may include a removable seal for draining solution through an aperture of the contact lens tool or lens housing.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle has a polygonally-shaped tip with an axis that is offset from the axis of the needle body. The material forming the tip is non-uniformly distributed, adding to the motion of the tip when it is vibrated torsionally. In one embodiment, the tip has tip wall segments of varying thicknesses. In another embodiment, the tip has a series of external ribs formed on the tip wall segments, on the wall segment, at the apex where adjacent wall segments meet, or both.

Abstract: An ab externo method of placing an intraocular implant into an eye can include advancing a needle, in which the implant is disposed, into the eye through conjunctiva and sclera of the eye. The implant can include a drug deliverable to the eye. The implant can thereafter be released to be anchored in the eye and elute the drug to the eye.

Abstract: A device for protecting tissue when treating an eye using a laser beam generated by a laser system and deflected by a scanner system comprises an eye model, a control data module and a processor. The eye model comprises eye data which define dimensions and locations of eye structures. The control data module is configured to register control data which define beam parameters of the laser beam and a scanning pattern for the laser beam. The processor is configured to simulate by computation a light spot moving on or in an eye structure on the basis of the eye data and the control data, to add up, for a plurality of measurement points of the eye structure and continuously, a beam dose emitted at the relevant measurement point by the moving light spot and to generate an emergency signal if a dose limit Dmax is exceeded at one of the measurement points.

Abstract: A laser eye surgery system includes a computer which scans a focused laser beam in a trajectory over a reticle or target and determines beam quality via laser light reflected from the target. The target may have a grid pattern of lines, with the diameter of the focused laser beam determined based on a time interval for the scanned beam to move onto a line of the grid pattern. Methods for measuring beam quality in a laser eye surgery system provide a direct, quantitative quality measurement of the focused laser beam, and may be performed quickly and automatically. Using scanning mirror position information together with signals resulting from laser light reflected from the target, the laser eye surgery system may also be calibrated.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the amplitude of accommodation and/or changing the refractive power of lens material of a natural crystalline lens is provided. Generally, there is provided methods and systems for delivering a laser beam to a lens of an eye in a plurality of patterns results in the increased accommodative amplitude and/or refractive power of the lens. There is further provided a system and method of treating presbyopia by increasing both the flexibility of the human lens and the depth of field of the eye.

Abstract: Eye masks and associated processes are disclosed herein. These masks and associated processes may involve positioning a mask over the eyes and nearby glands of a user and applying heat and/or moisture. This treatment may provide therapeutic benefits, including therapy of Meibomian gland disease and other sources of dry eye. Other physical benefits can also include mechanically gently holding eyelids closed and promoting relaxation and reduction of stress.

Abstract: A welding helmet (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) having a filter arrangement is disclosed. The welding helmet is provided with a main filter (102, 202, 302, 402, 502) and at least one auxiliary filter (104, 204, 304, 404, 504) separate from and positioned next to the main filter. The at least one auxiliary filter comprises an electro-optic element (10, 20) adapted to attenuate the transmission of optical radiation incident on the auxiliary filter.

Abstract: An instrument for use with an otoscope to examine an ear and remove cerumen (i.e., ear wax) from an ear canal includes a speculum having a channel extending between a tip and a rear with the tip having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and a curette having a through hole a first end connected to the first side of the speculum, and a second end connected to the second side of the speculum.

Abstract: An ear and ear headphone shielding assembly, for comfortably laying on an ear with headphones therein, includes a panel and a cushion member. The panel has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is concavely shaped, while the outer surface is convexly shaped. The panel has a perimeter edge including a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The inner surface is shaped as to form a hold to receive an ear such that the ear is adjacent to the inner surface. A cushion member is attached to the perimeter edge as to be coextensive with the top edge, the first side edge and the second side edge, leaving the bottom edge free of the cushion member.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to negative pressure treatment systems and wound dressing systems, apparatuses, and methods that may be used for the treatment of wounds. In particular, some embodiments are directed to improved wound dressings comprising an obscuring layer that may hide fluid contained therein. Some embodiments may further comprise one or more viewing windows disposed therethrough so as to enable monitoring or examination of fluids contained therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent, absorbent device for the dressing of wounds and insertion sites of percutaneous and drug delivery devices. The device provides 360 degree or complete circumferential protection of a wound or insertion site of a percutaneous or drug delivery device and comprises a hydrogel center and at least one absorbent material. The hydrogel center can optionally comprise a bioactive agent(s).

Abstract: A bandage comprising a base substrate, a wound covering portion, a first side coupling member and a second side coupling member, and a first side and second side adhesive portion. The base substrate includes a central region, a first side region and a second side region, and comprises an elastic member. The wound covering portion is positioned over the central region. The first side coupling member extends over the first side region. The second side coupling member extending over the second region. The first side adhesive portion is positioned on the first side region. The second side adhesive portion positioned on the second side region. A method of use as well as a protective carrier are likewise disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonwoven acquisition distribution layer comprising: a) layered carded webs wherein the first layer comprises a carded web with high denier fibers wherein the denier is greater than about 5 d and a second layer comprising a carded web with low denier fibers wherein the denier is less than about 5 d and is positioned just below and in direct contact with the first layer; and b) a deflection layer comprising a fibrous nonwoven web wherein the fibrous nonwoven web has at least one component comprising meltblown, said meltblown having a basis weight of from about 15 gsm to about 50 gsm and having an air permeability of from about 45 ft3/min/ft2 to about 350 ft3/min/ft2; and wherein the deflection layer is positioned just below and in direct contact with said second layer of said layered carded web.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a tampon, an absorbent structure composed of an absorbent material can be formed into a tampon blank. In various embodiments, a withdrawal element can be attached to the absorbent structure either before or after the absorbent structure is formed into a tampon blank. The tampon blank can then undergo a compression step which can result in the pledget of the tampon. The pledget, and resultant tampon, can have at least one linear channel and at least one non-linear channel.

Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a backsheet layer, and an absorbent system positioned between the topsheet layer and the backsheet layer. The absorbent system can have at least a fluid intake layer, an absorbent core, and a distribution layer. The fluid intake layer and the absorbent core can define an aligned annular opening in the absorbent system and can maintain the topsheet layer in a spaced apart relationship from the distribution layer.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article in which the shape of projections formed in a predetermined region of a topsheet can be maintained. In this absorbent article: a nonwoven fabric that has a skin-side surface having projections formed thereon is used as a topsheet; and an absorbent body has formed therein a through hole that penetrates the absorbent body in the thickness direction.

Abstract: A patterned apertured web is disclosed. The patterned apertured web includes a plurality of land areas in the patterned apertured web and a plurality of apertures defined in the patterned apertured web. At least some land areas of the plurality of land areas surround at least some apertures of the plurality of apertures. The patterned apertured web has an Effective Open Area in the range of about 3% to about 30%, according to the Aperture Test herein. The patterned apertured web has a plurality of Interaperture Distances, according to the Aperture Test herein. The Interaperture Distances have a distribution having a median and a mean, wherein the mean is different than the median. The plurality of apertures include a first set of apertures defining a first shape and a second set of apertures defining a second shape. The first shape is positioned within the second shape.

Abstract: A nonwoven extending in a machine direction and a perpendicular cross-machine direction and having fibers bonded by a pattern of thermal bonds. The thermal bonds comprise larger bonds having an individual area of at least 1.0 mm2, in particular at least 1.5 mm2; and smaller bonds having an individual area of less than 1.0 mm2, in particular from about 0.10 mm2 to about 1.0 mm2. There are at least as many smaller bonds as larger bonds, the ratio of the number of smaller bonds may be in particular about two.

Abstract: A reusable holder for absorbent material for absorbing menstrual flow is made from a liquid permeable inner layer affixed to an outer liquid impermeable layer at the peripheral edges to form a pouch between the two layers. An opening in the inner layer provides access to the pouch so that disposable or reusable absorbent material such as paper or cloth may be placed in the pouch to absorb menstrual flow. After use, the absorbent material may be removed from the pouch via the opening so that the used absorbent material may be disposed of or washed for re-use. Wings extending from the sides of the reusable holder allow the holder to be fastened around an undergarment to keep the holder in place. Alternatively, strings are attached to the reusable holder to allow it to be worn like a g-string.