Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion implant device has a frame, two ramp assemblies and two overlying base plates driven by two independent drive shafts. The two ramp assemblies include a distal ramp assembly and a proximal ramp assembly. Each ramp assembly has a translating ramp, a first pivoting hinged ramp and a second pivoting hinged ramp. The two overlying base plates include a first base plate overlying a second base plate. Each base plate is hinged to the distal ramp assembly and the proximal ramp assembly at an end of one of said pivoting hinged ramps of each ramp assembly. The two independently driven drive shafts include a first drive shaft for translating the distal ramp assembly and a second drive shaft for translating the proximal ramp assembly to independently expand the implant proximally or distally or both.

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 central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.

Abstract: An intervertebral scaffolding system is provided having a laterovertically-expanding frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state, the laterovertically-expanding frame having a stabilizer that slidably engages with the distal region of the laterovertically-expanding frame and is configured for retaining the laterovertically-expanding frame from a lateral movement that exceeds the expanded state. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.

Abstract: An expandable housing for an interbody fusion system has movable tapered external helical threaded members that travel along tracking to operably engage against the top and bottom shell members, urging them apart to cause expansion in the height of the housing. In an embodiment, the tapered members are disposed in a dual arrangement such that independent engagement of the tapered members along lateral portions of the top and bottom shells cause an angular tilt to the exterior surface of the housing when the tapered members are moved to different degrees. This function permits adjustment in the angular relationship between adjacent vertebrae and assists the lordotic adjustment of the patient's spine. When the functions of the device are used in combination by the surgeon, the device provides an effective tool for in situ adjustment when performing lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

Abstract: Implant assemblies, systems, and methods for stabilizing a joint between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra may include a plate member coupled to an interbody spacer with at least one fastener that extends superiorly or inferiorly from the implant assembly to anchor within a vertebral body and stabilize the joint. Inserters and methods of insertion may also be included to facilitate fixation of various implant assemblies within the intervertebral space of the joint between the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being inserted between adjacent vertebrae to facilitate the fusion process. The expandable fusion device may include first and second endplates, a translation member configured to expand an anterior side and/or posterior side of the device, a plurality of joists configured to connect the first and second endplates to the translation member, and first and second actuation members disposed internally to the device such that openings on a back side of the device can be used to expand or compress the anterior side, the posterior side, or both and such openings may also be used to introduce graft material into the device.

Abstract: A method of implanting a contact implant includes providing the contact implant, providing a plurality of anchoring implants having a plurality of through openings, placing the contact implant at an implantation location, and introducing a first one of the anchoring implants through a first of the plurality of through openings. Mechanical oscillations are applied, along a first axis, to the first one of the anchoring implants, thereby causing thermoplastic material of the implant to liquefy and interpenetrate portions of the tissue. A second one of the anchoring implants is introduced through a second one of the through openings to bring it in contact with the live tissue. Mechanical oscillations are applied, along a second axis, to the second one of the anchoring implants to cause thermoplastic material to be liquefied. The first and first and second axes are at a nonzero angle to each other.

Abstract: A device for delivering a bone material to a surgical site is provided. The device comprises a body having an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the body is substantially transverse to the upper portion and has an opening for receiving a bone material. An internal chamber is disposed within the upper portion and the lower portion, and a plunger is slidably disposed in at least the internal chamber of the body. The plunger has a distal end configured for delivering the bone material out of the lower portion of the body, wherein movement of the plunger in a first position toward the lower portion of the body delivers the bone material from the lower portion of the body to the surgical site. Methods of delivering the bone material are also provided.

Abstract: Implants suitable for use in a carpometacarpal joint includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and sidewalls extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The implant includes hydrogel material such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel. Kits can include systems for preparing an implantation site, creating a cavity, and/or deploying the implant. Methods of treating a carpometacarpal joint include deploying an implant in a recess in a carpometacarpal bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for balancing joints, including knee joints. The devices convert unequal forces at a joint to a rotation or displacement of a pointer or gauge. The devices are able to display the relative difference in force between the lateral and medial sides of a joint from flexion to extension. In certain aspects, the devices are useful for balancing the knee during total knee surgery. The devices can be inserted between the trial femoral and tibial components of the knee and measures whether one condyle experiences more force than the other.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis having a lower-leg connection part, a foot part, a connecting element with a joint function which connects the lower-leg connection part to the foot part, and a release device, which controls movement of the foot part in relation to the lower-leg connection part. The release device includes an inhibiting device that is designed in such a way that a dorsal extension motion of the foot part in relation to the lower-leg connection part in an angular range from a maximal plantar flexion position to a zero position is inhibited less intensely than a dorsal extension motion of the foot part from the zero position.

Abstract: A vertical suspension system for a prosthetic foot includes a first member operatively coupleable to an amputee's residual leg. The suspension system can also include a second member coupleable to a prosthetic foot. One or more upper leaf springs and one or more lower leaf springs extend between and are attached to the first and second members such that at least one of the ends of each leaf spring is rotationally fixed to the first or second members, where the upper an lower leaf springs are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A prosthetic includes a pair of prosthetic members movably coupled together to allow movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another. A hydraulic actuator or damper including hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic chamber is coupled to one of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic piston is movably disposed in the hydraulic chamber and coupled to another of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic flow channel is fluidly coupled between opposite sides of the chamber to allow hydraulic fluid to move between the opposite sides of the chamber as the hydraulic piston moves therein. A voice coil valve is coupled to the hydraulic flow channel to vary resistance to flow of hydraulic fluid through the flow channel, and thus movement of the piston in the chamber, and thus influencing a rate of movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for fine motor control of fingers on a prosthetic hand. In particular, the present disclosure describes a system and method for controlling the flexion or extension of one or more fingers of a prosthetic hand to reproduce a natural stroke such as for, e.g., writing, painting, brushing teeth, or eating. The systems and methods described herein use electromyographic (EMG) signals and, more particularly, combinations of electromyographic signals, from muscles in the forearm to activate one or more motors of the prosthetic hand that control the motion of the prosthetic fingers. The electromyographic signals may be used to cause fingers of a prosthetic hand to, for example, imitate a writing stroke while the fingers of the prosthetic hand hold a writing utensil. Additionally, the present invention describes electrode placement locations that maximize peak signal detected while maintaining a low base-line signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides stents, particularly self-expanding stents, useful for the GI tract, and more particularly, useful for treating esophageal strictures. The stents provided herein include a medial region and proximal and distal cuffs having external diameters greater than the medial region diameter when the stent is in the deployed state. The medial region comprises an open weave wire construction. An elastomeric coating circumscribes the medial region, while the may be an extension of the wire construction or separate elements. Preferably, the cuffs have a textured surface for contact with the esophageal wall tissue to resist stent migration. The elastomer coated medial region provides a barrier to tissue ingrowth, and has an enhanced radial restoring force to maintain an open passageway in a body lumen. Optionally, the stent includes an exterior sheath with a surface pattern, to which the stent couples.

Abstract: A radially expandable, tubular stent, includes a first section having a first crush resistance force and a second section have a second crush resistance force, wherein the first crush resistance force is less than the second crush resistance force. The first section is connected to the second section to form a tube, connection of the first and second sections extending in an axial direction of the tube.

Abstract: A stent with a one-way sock valve comprises a stent portion and a one-way valve portion. The one-way valve portion comprises a heel portion. The heel portion prevents solids and liquids from entering an opening in the one-way valve portion. Solids and liquids enter the one-way sock valve in a first direction through the stent portion and exit an opening transversely to the longitudinal axis of the stent portion. The sock valve folds, closing the sock valve to any reverse flow in a second direction opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for manufacturing intravascular stents wherein the intravascular stent has its inner surface treated to promote the migration of endothelial cells onto the inner surface of the intravascular stent. In particular, the inner surface of the intravascular stent has at least one groove formed therein.

Abstract: A stent includes a plurality of stent rings and a plurality of connecting members for connecting adjacent stent rings. The stent rings are expandable from an unexpanded state to an expanded state, each stent ring including a plurality of struts. An adjacent pair of connecting members connected to the same stent ring are disposed to be rotation-symmetric with respect to a center of a strut disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A vascular intervention device delivery system includes a handle comprised of a first shell connected to a second shell. A thumbwheel, which includes a radially outward thumb surface and a spool, is rotatably mounted in the handle. A catheter has a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal carrier segment for mounting a vascular intervention device thereon. A retractable sheath is movable from a first position covering the distal carrier segment to a second position retracted proximally uncovering the distal carrier segment. A pull extends between the thumbwheel and the retractable sheath. A rim of the pull and an internal surface of the first shell define a pull avoidance volume. The first shell includes a plurality of ribs positioned in the pull avoidance volume and oriented transverse to a pull pathway around an idler wheel, and the ribs block entry of the pull into the pull avoidance volume.

Abstract: Some implementations of an endovascular device include a stent graft with an expandable tubular metallic frame and a covering material disposed on at least a portion of the metallic frame. The stent graft defines a lumen therethrough. In a particular embodiment, a first balloon is disposed around an outer periphery of the stent graft, a second balloon is disposed around the outer periphery of the stent graft and spaced apart from the first balloon, and a third balloon is disposed within the stent graft lumen between the first balloon and the second balloon. The third balloon can be inflated to fully or partially occlude the lumen. The first and second balloons can be individually inflated to fully or partially shunt blood flow from a blood vessel through the stent graft. In some embodiments, sensors and an automated control unit are included to automate the operations of the endovascular device.

Abstract: A pre-loaded delivery device that facilitates accurate placement of a stent graft assembly in the aorta is disclosed. A stent graft is carried on the delivery device and held in a pre-deployment configuration by a sheath. A split in the sheath facilitates the pre-cannulation of one or more branch arteries extending from the aorta before the stent graft is fully released in the aorta. The stent graft comprises a tubular body having at least one scalloped fenestration formed in one end of the graft material and at least one fenestration formed in the graft material of the main tubular body. A helical internal side branch extends from the fenestration within the lumen of the main tubular body. The helical side branch is configured to curve at least partially around the scalloped fenestration. The assembly further comprises a connection stent graft extending from the fenestration into a branch vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking unintentional muscle movements of a user and stabilizing a handheld tool while it is being used by the user are described. The method may include detecting motion of a handle of the handheld tool manipulated by a user while the user is performing a task with a user-assistive device attached to an attachment arm of the handheld tool. Furthermore, the method may include storing the detected motion in a memory of the handheld tool as motion data. The method may also include controlling, based on the motion data, a motion-generating mechanism of the handheld tool that moves the attachment arm relative to the handle in a degree of freedom.

Abstract: A device for implanting in a gastrointestinal system of a patient may include an elongate flow modulator configured to be inserted in an intestine, wherein the flow modulator defines an enclosed interior space to hold a fill material.

Abstract: A joint for a rehabilitation device and a rehabilitation device are disclosed. The joint is defined for operation between an end of a first member and an end of a second member. The joint enables the second member to pivot at the joint with respect to the first member. The joint includes a positioning mechanism for defining a set position from which the second member pivots. The joint also includes a restriction mechanism for restricting the degree of pivoting of the second member, from the set position. The joint further includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the second member such that it returns to the set position when an opposing force applied to the second member is less than the bias of the biasing mechanism. When the joint is in the set position, the biasing mechanism is configured such that no bias is applied to the second member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a finger sleeve support apparatus configured to restrain relative movement between two fingers on the hand of a wearer such that protection is afforded to the restrained fingers in certain types of activities.

Abstract: An angle limitation system for an orthopedic brace employs a hinge assembly rotatably receiving an upper strut and a lower strut and having a hinge plate and a hinge assembly cap. An extension angle limit element is removably insertable in an anterior port between the hinge plate and hinge assembly cap. The extension angle limit element has a body with limiting surfaces adapted to engage mating faces indented in the anterior edges of the upper and lower strut. A flexion angle limit element is removably insertable in a posterior port between the hinge plate and hinge assembly cap. The flexion angle limit element has a body with limiting surfaces adapted to engage mating faces indented in the posterior edges of the upper and lower strut. Engagement mechanisms are adapted to releasably secure the flexion angle limit element in the posterior port and the engagement angle limit element in the anterior port.

Abstract: An orthopedic device comprises a main body defining an outer surface and a cuff extending from an end portion of the main body with frictional material disposed on an inner surface of the first cuff. A hinge is connected to the main body and terminates along the main body short of the cuff. The cuff is arranged to fold over the outer surface of the main body in a disengaged configuration, such that the outer surface of the first cuff is adjacently against the outer surface of the main body.

Abstract: A powered orthotic device for use with a limb having at least two joints includes at least two brace sub-assemblies. The first brace sub-assembly includes a first powered actuator assembly that receives a first sensor signal from an electromyographic sensor. The first powered actuator assembly applies a first force for driving sections positioned with respect to a first joint to move relative to one another. The second brace sub-assembly includes a second powered actuator assembly that is configured to receive a second sensor signal from a sensor selected from a group consisting of an electromyographic sensor, an inertial measurement unit, and combinations thereof. The second powered actuator assembly applies a second force for driving sections positioned with respect to a second joint to move relative to one another. The second force is based on the first sensor signal or the second sensor signal.

Abstract: A physical rehabilitation device for the treatment of a medical condition of the foot known as plantar fasciitis includes a splint which is connected to the toe and ankle of a patient. The splint can be used in a method for treating plantar fasciitis known as “dynamic splinting”. This device allows the patient to bend the ankle and thus dynamically change the flexion in the foot of the patient. The device itself is unique, but the method of treatment made possible by this device is also unique.

Abstract: A 3D printed cast or splint for application to a patient's body to immobilize a body part includes first and second shell portions configured to conform to at least a portion of the body part. The first shell portion has a distal end, a proximal end, opposing interfacing edges, a plurality of venting holes and a first engagement mechanism positioned proximate one of the opposing interfacing edges. A reinforcement portion extends between the proximal and distal ends. The second shell portion has a distal end, a proximal end, opposing interfacing edges, a plurality of venting holes and a second engagement mechanism positioned proximate one of the opposing interfacing edges. The first engagement mechanism interacts with the second engagement mechanism in a mounted configuration to facilitate mounting of the first shell portion to the second shell portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sanitary protection article that is structured and arranged to maintain menstrual fluid within the vagina and thereby prevent the menstrual fluid from escaping the body. The present invention also relates to a method of selectively maintaining menstrual fluid within the vagina by means of using such article.

Abstract: A guide apparatus for facilitating formation of a stoma includes a guide having an outer flange segment arranged about a central longitudinal axis and an insert segment. The flange segment is configured for engaging end margins of a body vessel extending through an opening in skin of a subject, and defines a plurality of apertures. The insert segment extends from the outer flange segment along the longitudinal axis. The insert segment is configured for at least partial positioning within the body vessel to maintain the patency of the body vessel. The guide apparatus further includes a plurality of fasteners for insertion within respective apertures of the flange segment of the guide. The fasteners are configured for penetrating the end margins of the body vessel extending through the opening in the skin to attach the end margins to the skin to thereby create a stoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, method, system and kit for receiving effluent from an individual. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device, method, system and kit for collecting effluent from an individual during a medical or diagnostic procedure including but not limited to, imaging or viewing one or more sections of an individual's gastrointestinal tract. In another alternative embodiment, the effluent is collected in a hollow area in order to prevent the effluent form contaminating a component, device or apparatus used in connection with the medical or diagnostic procedure.

Abstract: A retention cuff is disclosed for retaining a fluid collection device or system in an orifice of a patient. The retention cuff has a body has a central opening and an inflationless cuff wall that includes an annular cuff wall and one or more side elements. The retention cuff is non-inflatable and has a self-deployed state or shape. The retention cuff can be coupled to a fecal collection device such that the central opening is in flow communication with a collection tube of the device and with the body of the retention device.

Abstract: An excreta disposal device is provided, which includes a main body formed with a first disposal space opened in a hip direction of a human body to receive excreta discharged from the human body, and has a storage space formed therein. A male module, in which a second disposal space configured to receive urine discharged from the human body, is formed inside, and an opening unit opened to face the human body of the user is formed on one side of the second disposal space. The second disposal space is formed to be capable of inserting at least a part of male genitalia and is provided in the main body. A suction port is provided in the storage space and communicates with at least one of the first disposal space and the second disposal space to discharge excreta to the outside of the main body.

Abstract: A prophylactic device includes a base for receiving a portion of a body, a tip for containing body fluids, and a tubular body in between. The tubular body includes at least one area with a textured pattern, including lines running along the tubular body (e.g., lines running in at least three directions) that form shapes on the tubular body with portions of the lines forming edges of the shapes (e.g., circles, ellipses, polygons, etc.). The textured pattern forms a reinforcing mesh that wraps around the tubular body. A mold can be used for making the prophylactic device, where the mold includes different portions for receiving material(s), and is shaped to form the material(s) into the base, tip, and tubular body of the prophylactic device.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel hydrophilic polymer and latex polymer blend coating formulation and compositions thereof, and their use on various devices (e.g., prophylactic and medical devices) to form hydrophilic and flexible coatings with durable lubricity.

Abstract: The cooling system (100, 300, 400, 500, 700, 750) includes an applicator (101, 501, 701) configured to hold a predetermined amount of solid coolant and fluid coolant (117) to cool a targeted area of the body (162, 570) to crystalize the lipid-rich cells underneath the targeted area to reduce the fat cells. The applicator may include a thermoelectric cooler (TEC, 136, 704, 706) where the hot side is cooled by coolant held within the applicator. The cold side of the TEC may be thermally coupled to a cooling plate (138, 560) configured to cool a targeted area of the skin at a predetermined temperature range for a predetermined period of time. The cooling system may also be used to relieve localized pain at certain area of the body and/or utilized for cryotherapy.

Abstract: An economical dual modality system can be manufactured and used in a method including the steps of assembling a system including a durable energy subsystem and a replaceable thermal subsystem, activating the replaceable thermal subsystem, attaching the system to a desired treatment area of a user's body, and activating the durable energy subsystem. The durable energy subsystem is arranged and configured to deliver energy, and the replaceable thermal subsystem is arranged and configured to be coupled to the durable energy subsystem arranged and configured to deliver thermal energy.

Abstract: Disclosure includes fluid-circulating heat exchange catheters, systems and related methods useable for controlling a patient's body temperature.

Abstract: A handheld applicator designed to transfer a liquid drop of ophthalmic medicament into a human eye. The basic structure comprises a finger grip section and a drop retainer section, preferably connected to the grip section with an extension. The device is made from an elastomeric material that will allow for the safe transfer of a liquid drop into the eye. A drop dispensed from a container is placed onto the drop retainer section of the device where the surface tension provides drop adhesion. The user may administer the drop, without having to tilt the head, while maintaining an eyeglass assisted view into a mirror. Application of the drop occurs from the peripheral line of vision. When contact is made to the eye, surface tension is relieved and the drop safely transfers into the eye. The same applicator may have a drop retainer section with a different structure on each side.

Abstract: A tethered cannula having at least two curved sections for implantation into an eye and a method for implanting the cannula in the eye. The cannula can withstand ever present and changing rotational forces from eye movement and mechanical forces from the movement of the subject. The cannula can be connected to implantable or tetherable devices that are too large, heavy, or obstructive to attach directly to the eye, such as an intraocular pressure sensor or infusion pump.

Abstract: A method, device, or system for treating eye disorders or conditions, comprising restoring or increasing blood flow or blood flow rate in an artery that supplies blood to or in the eye, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen that reaches the eye or a portion thereof.

Abstract: A surgical hand piece has a solid knife connected to and supported at its proximal end by a source of ultrasonic energy. A plastic sleeve has the knife located in it. A support is provided between the sleeve and the knife to support the sleeve while minimizing the effect of the vibration of the knife on the sleeve. The space between the knife and the sleeve form a first fluid channel. A plastic fluid tube can be located along the sleeve and can provide a second fluid channel. In order to use the handpiece for cleanup the sleeve can be moved forward to cover the knife and a small aspiration tube can be provided within the sleeve.

Abstract: A handheld reciprocating surgical tool may contain an inertial damper to counteract the momentum of a diaphragm assembly of the reciprocating surgical tool. A momentum of the inertial damper may be tuned such that the momentum of the inertial damper is comparable in magnitude and opposite in direction to a momentum of the diaphragm assembly. The diaphragm assembly may include a cutting tool. The combined momentum of a diaphragm assembly and the inertial damper may result in a reduced net momentum, which may reduce vibration of the reciprocating surgical tool haptically experienced by a surgeon, thereby improving surgeon comfort.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stainless steel device for permanent insertion into the sclerocorneal limbus, with different drainage and anchorage systems, enabling the aqueous humour to discharge through one or more virtual spaces from the anterior chamber to an intrascleral space in cases of simple glaucoma or to the equatorial episclera in cases of complex glaucoma, such as neovascular glaucoma. The space is virtual, not real, as in the case of the tubular device. It enables the aqueous humour to discharge slowly and continuously, minimizing the possibility of the chamber being flat or of germs penetrating through the device. Furthermore, the anchorage system is less aggressive, thus reducing the possibility of bleeding.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for non-invasive ophthalmic surgery based on femto second multi shooting (FSMS) laser techniques. In one embodiment the FSMS laser technique is directed to corneal stroma. In another embodiment the FSMS laser technique is directed to crystalline lens.

Abstract: For processing eye tissue using a pulsed laser beam (L), an ophthalmological device includes a projection optical unit for the focused projection of the laser beam (L) into the eye tissue, and a scanner system upstream of the projection optical unit for the beam-deflecting scanning of the eye tissue with the laser beam (L) in a scanning movement (s?) performed over a scanning angle along a scanning line(s). The projection optical unit is tilted about an axis of rotation (q) running perpendicularly to a plane defined by the scanning line(s) and the optical axis (o) of the projection optical unit, the tilting of the projection optical unit tilting the scanning line (s) in said plane. Tilting of the scanning line(s) enables a displacement—dependent on the scanning angle—of the focus of the laser pulses projected into the eye tissue without vertical displacement of the projection optical unit.

Abstract: A method and system for spot size selection wherein an indication of a spot size selection is received and a spot size is generated corresponding to the spot size selection by propagating an optical signal via one of the claddings of a dual-clad optical fiber. The system for spot size selection includes a plurality of lens arrays, at least one galvanometer, and a plurality of dual-clad fibers to propagate an optical signal from one of the plurality of lens arrays.