Abstract: A method for promoting healing of tissue by delivering a bioreactor into a subject is provided. The bioreactor is an enclosed housing with paracrine factor producing cells enclosed within the housing. The housing is impermeable to the paracrine factor producing cells, impermeable to immunological cells outside of the housing, and permeable to paracrine factors produced by the paracrine factor producing cells. The paracrine factors produced by the paracrine factor producing cells are released out of the housing to promote healing of the tissue.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to methods and systems for percutaneously treating dissections in a patient's vasculature, such as, without limitation, the aorta. The method can include deploying a catheter containing a collapsed anchoring element, frame, and cover through a first vessel to an entry point of the dissection. The anchoring element can be secured to the second branch vessel. The frame can be expanded in the first branch vessel. The cover can be unfolded over at least a portion of the entry point. The cover then reduces blood flow into the entry point.

Abstract: There is described an arteriovenous fistula stent, having a tubular body comprising a series of sinusoidal shaped struts along the length of the tubular body. A plurality of curvilinear connectors extend between and are attached to adjacent struts wherein a first end of a connector is attached to a distal face of a proximal strut apex and a second end of a connector is attached to a proximal face of a distal strut apex. A pair of unconnected strut apexes are between pairs of connected apexes. When the tubular body is in a stowed configuration a proximal aperture and a distal aperture are circular and when the tubular body is in a deployed configuration the distal aperture is oblong or ovoid. There is also described a method for inserting a stent for use in creation of an arteriovenous fistula by identifying a candidate artery and a candidate vein and dissecting the candidate vein. Next, inserting a stent into the vein and creating a breach in the candidate artery at a desired angle and location.

Abstract: A method of making a contoured internal limb including providing a flattened tubular segment of graft material, and a prosthesis including the contoured internal limb. The tubular segment includes a left lateral edge, a right lateral edge, a first length extending from the left lateral edge to the right lateral edge, and a second length extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the tubular segment. The method also includes contouring a proximal portion, a middle portion, and a distal portion of the contoured internal limb from the tubular segment. The method also includes closing a right lateral edge of the proximal portion and a right lateral edge of a first section of the middle portion. The method further includes removing the proximal, middle and distal portions of the contoured internal limb from the tubular segment and maintaining a second section of the middle portion as circumferentially continuous.

Abstract: High resolution active matrix nanowire circuits enable a flexible platform for artificial electronic skin having pressure sensing capability. Comb-like interdigitated nanostructures extending vertically from a pair of opposing, flexible assemblies facilitate pressure sensing via changes in resistance caused by varying the extent of contact among the interdigitated nanostructures. Electrically isolated arrays of vertically extending, electrically conductive nanowires or nanofins are formed from a doped, electrically conductive layer, each of the arrays being electrically connected to a transistor in an array of transistors. The nanowires or nanofins are interdigitated with further electrically conductive nanowires or nanofins mounted to a flexible handle.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) device adapted for implantation in the lens capsule of a subject's eye. The IOL device includes an anterior refractive optical element and a membrane coupled to the refractive optical element. The anterior refractive optical element and the membrane define an enclosed cavity configured to contain a fluid. At least a portion of the membrane is configured to contact a posterior area of the lens capsule adjoining the vitreous body of the subject's eye. The fluid contained in the enclosed cavity exerts a deforming or displacing force on the anterior refractive optical element in response to an anterior force exerted on the membrane by the vitreous body. The IOL device may further include a haptic system to position the anterior refractive optical element and also to engage the zonules and ciliary muscles to provide additional means for accommodation.

Abstract: A polymeric valve which may include a heart valve, and also may include a trileaflet heart valve includes a stent having a base and a plurality of outwardly extending posts from the base and equidistant from each other. A plurality of leaflets each connected to a corresponding one of the posts at one end, and each of the leaflets connected to the base. Each of the leaflets having an operative end opposite the end connected to the post, and the operative ends of the leaflets being biased in a closed position such that the operative ends abut each other. The operative ends are configured to rhythmically open and close in relation to each other, and the leaflets include multiple cross sectional thicknesses at different portions of the leaflets.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can include an expandable support stent, a valve assembly, and a connecting membrane. The support stent can have first and second end portions and can be configured to be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration. The valve assembly can have an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a plurality of leaflets, and the valve assembly can be supported in the support stent. The connecting membrane can be disposed radially between the support stent and the valve assembly, wherein the support stent and the valve assembly can be connected to the connecting membrane.

Abstract: Medical devices and delivery systems for delivering medical devices to a target location within a subject. In some embodiments the medical devices can be locked in a fully deployed and locked configuration. In some embodiments the delivery systems are configured with a single actuator to control the movement of multiple components of the delivery system. In some embodiments the actuator controls the independent and dependent movement of multiple components of the delivery system.

Abstract: An improved holder and storage system for a tissue-type prosthetic mitral heart valve that constricts the commissure posts of the valve and prevents suture looping. A rod axially movable relative to the holder tensions lengths of attachment sutures that extend between the commissure post tips to create a tent and flex the tips inward, thus helping to prevent looping of any of an array of pre-implanted sutures around the leading tips during delivery of the valve. The holder has a safety mechanism that prevents valve delivery before the rod is deployed. One embodiment automatically deploys the rod upon opening a storage jar. One embodiment permits a delivery handle to directly deploy the rod, while another uses a separate worm screw and coupling. A holder clip that attaches to a packaging sleeve may be formed of flexible members meshed together from which the heart valve and holder are easily pulled free to eliminate a step of decoupling the clip from the sleeve.

Abstract: This treatment device (10) for a biological valve includes: an implant (12) having a proximal sleeve (14), deployable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration, and comprising a plurality of proximal arms (32) intended to bear on a first face of a leaflet (18) or on an annulus (17) of the valve, a release tool (14) for releasing the implant (12), the implant (12) being mounted in the release tool (14) in its retracted configuration. The device (10) comprises a pushing member (16) for pushing the face of the valve leaflet (18) away from a free end of the proximal arms (32), movable relative to the implant (12) kept in its configuration retracted in the release tool (14) between a withdrawn position and a deployed position pushing the face of the leaflet (18).

Abstract: Delivery devices for delivering a stented prosthesis to a target site are disclosed. Disclosed delivery devices include a handle assembly including an actuator, an inner shaft assembly interconnected to the handle assembly, and are configured to releasably retain the stented prosthesis to the delivery device with at least one elongate tension member. The delivery devices further include a tension management device that is configured to limit the amount of tension that can be applied via the actuator to the at least one tension member. Certain embodiments are configured to apply different tension limits to different tension members that are controlled by a one or more actuators. Other various embodiments include one or more tension adjustors to selectively adjust one or more tension limits.

Abstract: An implant for attachment to a human pelvic bone for cosmetic purposes. The implant is attachable to the iliac crest. A silicone cover is attachable to the implant. Implant plates may be attached to the humeral bone, the tibia, and the femur, and silicone may be attached to the plates.

Abstract: A bone implant that is elongate along a longitudinal axis includes an implant body including first and second wire segments extending between first and second ends along the axis. The wire segments are spaced from each other along a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to define first and second apertures each extending through the implant body along respective directions that are offset from the axis. At least one of the first and second apertures is configured to receive a bone fixation element for securing the implant to bone. The first and second wire segments abut each other at least at one end of the first and second apertures. The first and second wire segments define respective first and second prongs each located at the second end and configured to be inserted within bone so as to further secure the bone implant to bone.

Abstract: A modular femoral prosthesis for use during performance of a hip revision procedure includes a proximal body component, a distal stem component, and a locking bolt. Surgical instruments and methods for use in implanting such a modular femoral prosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant includes a main body having a surface with at least one bonding feature, at least one porous material having a plurality of pores, and a bonding material placed in the plurality of pores of the at least one porous material and the at least one bonding feature to form a bond between the at least one porous material and the main body.

Abstract: Provided herein are implants and methods for producing implants. In at least one embodiment, the implants include sheet-based, triply periodic, minimal surface (TPMS) portions. According to one embodiment, the TPMS portions include a gyroid architecture that provides for improved osseointegration and mechanical performance over previous implants due to novel ratios of porosity to compressive strength, among other features. In one or more embodiments, the gyroid architecture is organized into unit cells that demonstrate anisotropic mechanical performance along an insertion direction. In various embodiments, the present methods include novel selective laser melting (SLM) techniques for forming the TPMS portions of implants in a manner that reduces defect formation, thereby improving compressive performance and other implant properties.

Abstract: Implants, devices and methods for maintaining, correcting and/or fusing joint deformities are disclosed. The implant including a first member, a second member, and a coupling member with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end engages the first member and the second end engages the second member. Methods of using the implants for maintaining, correcting and/or fusing joint deformities are also disclosed.

Abstract: An arthrodesis implant (1) allowing promoting the bone fusion of two bones is provided, the implant (1) comprising: a rigid and non-deformable anchoring body (4), designed to ensure the anchoring of the implant (1) in a first bone (2), and a deformable portion (5) designed to ensure the anchoring of the implant (1) in a second bone. The deformable portion (5) comprises at least two anchoring arms (9, 10) which protrude beyond the anchoring body (4) from the base end (7) of the anchoring body (4), the anchoring arms (9, 10) being separated from each other by a free space (E) so as to be able to be brought closer to each other by deformation of the anchoring arms under the action of the second bone. At least one of the anchoring arms (9, 10) is provided with a longitudinal reinforcing fin protruding beyond the anchoring arm (9, 10) from a lateral side (20) of the anchoring arm (9, 10).

Abstract: A distal radioulnar joint prosthesis for replacing the distal radioulnar joint and a method for its implantation is provided. Such a device includes an ulnar component, a radial component, and a motion liner. The ulnar component includes a stem, a collar, and a shell. The radial component includes a hemispherical ball and plate. The hemispherical ball of the radial component is secured with the radial plate and articulates with the ulnar shell via the motion liner. The prosthesis is designed to more accurately replicate the biomechanics of the distal wrist than currently used implants.

Abstract: A medical device includes a base ring configured to be implanted within a body of a patient. The base ring provides a contact surface to a vertebra. Multiple layers of multiple leveling plates are configured to equalize forces applied to the contact surface of the base ring, where at least one of the layers of the leveling plates engages an inner surface of the base ring. A layer of multiple pads is included with a top surface of the pads configured to maintain a parallel plane and a bottom surface of each of the multiple pads is configured to engage a top surface of one of the layers of the leveling plates. A cover is configured to enclose the multiple layers of the leveling plates, the layer of the multiple pads and the base ring. The cover provides a contact surface to a vertebra.

Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

Abstract: A joint arthrodesis system adapted for use in joint surgeries. Among other things, the joint implant has an anterior cutting edge and a rotatable cutter supported by a rotatable shaft.

Abstract: An orthopedic instrument in the form of an acetabular cup extractor system for reliably and efficiently extracting an acetabular cup implant from an acetabulum. The system includes a handle assembly, an extractor attachable to a distal end of the handle, and a dome guide assembly having a hemi-spherical dome for engaging the extractor and a centering body extending distally from the hemi-spherical dome for engaging an acetabular implant. The extractor includes a curved, concave guide and a curved blade. The curved, concave guide is sized and shaped to substantially matingly engage with and cover a substantial portion of the hemi-spherical dome. As a result of such an arrangement, a uniform cut is achieved by the curved blade thereby resulting in a minimum of bone being extracted from the acetabulum around the acetabular cup implant during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A digit mechanism for an artificial hand comprises: a lower digit (44) arranged to be rotatably coupled to a palm unit (12) of the artificial hand; an upper digit (48) rotatably coupled to the lower digit (44); a lower digit rotation mechanism (34, 46, 52, 58) for applying a moment to the lower digit (44) to rotate the lower digit (44) relative to the palm unit (12); an upper digit rotation mechanism (50, 54, 56) for applying a moment to the upper digit (48) to rotate the upper digit (48) relative to the lower digit (44); and a force balancing mechanism (60, 58) for mechanically adjusting the magnitude of the moment applied by the lower digit rotation mechanism (34, 46, 52, 58) and/or the upper digit rotation mechanism (50, 54, 56) in accordance with the magnitude(s) of outside forces resisting rotation of the upper digit (48) and/or the lower digit (44) in order to preferentially apply movement to the digit experiencing lower resistance to movement; wherein the force balancing mechanism is arranged to increa

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is provided with a forefoot spring, a heel spring and a base spring. The base spring is connected to the heel spring and to the forefoot spring. The base spring has receiving means for the forefoot spring and the heel spring, into which receiving means the heel spring and the forefoot spring can be inserted. The heel spring is connected to the forefoot spring via a coupling element, and the coupling element extends forwards along the forefoot spring at least via one portion thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a powered ankle prosthesis. The prosthesis may comprise a polycentric mechanism having a defined path for an instantaneous center of rotation. The path of the instantaneous center of rotation may be defined by a trajectory substantially equal to an arc positioned over a joint of the polycentric mechanism.

Abstract: A method for controlling a change of resistance in an artificial joint of an orthosis, an exoskeleton or prosthesis of a lower extremity. The artificial joint has an upper part and a lower part which are secured on each other so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, a damper unit is secured between the upper part and the lower part in order to provide a resistance to flexion or extension of the artificial joint, and the damper unit is assigned an adjusting mechanism via which the resistance is changed when a sensor signal of a control unit assigned to the adjusting mechanism activates the adjusting mechanism. The resistance is changed as a function of the position and/or length of the measured or calculated leg tendon and/or the time derivatives thereof.

Abstract: An artificial joint for lower extremities, comprising an upper part, which has mechanisms for attaching to a user, and a lower part mounted thereon in a pivotal manner about a joint axis. The lower part can be bent in from an extended position into a flexed position. A force accumulator is associated with the joint and is loaded via a force transmission mechanism through a flexing movement of the upper part relative to the lower part and supports an extension movement of the lower part relative to the upper part at least over a part of the extension movement. The force transmission device exerts a maximum moment of extension at a bending angle between 45° to 80°.

Abstract: A failsafe for a transdermal apparatus for a prosthetic appendage can include a first plate, a second plate, and a breakaway connector. The first plate can have a central axis, a proximal portion, and a distal end. The distal end can be opposite the proximal portion, and the distal end can be securable with a prosthetic external to skin and can be configured to simulate an appendage of a patient. The second plate can be aligned with the central axis and can include a proximal end and a distal portion. The proximal end can be securable to a transdermal implant, and can extend proximally from the second plate. The distal portion can be opposite the proximal end, and the distal portion can be configured to interface with the proximal portion of the first plate. The breakaway connector can be couplable within the second plate and the first plate.

Abstract: A biodegradable in vivo supporting device is disclosed. The in vivo supporting device comprises a biodegradable metal scaffold and a biodegradable polymer coating covering at least a portion of the biodegradable metal scaffold, wherein the biodegradable polymer coating has a degradation rate that is faster than the degradation rate of the biodegradable metal scaffold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-expanding vascular implant for implanting into a blood vessel, the implant comprising a hollow cylindrical body with a proximal and a distal end and with a longitudinal axis; comprising stent springs, which are successively arranged and spaced from one another over the longitudinal axis of the body, each stent spring meandering; and comprising an implant material, which is fixed to the stent springs and connects same. The stent springs have pointed arches which alternately point toward the proximal and distal direction and comprise alternating crests and troughs that are connected to one another via legs of different lengths, whereby a stent spring has pointed arches, which are circumferentially and successively arranged and which have different heights, said pointed arches consisting of higher and shorter pointed arches.

Abstract: A stent comprising a stent body and a plurality of cells is disclosed. The stent body defines a length. Each cell includes two structural members extending in an undulating pattern. Each structural member includes a plurality of cell segments defining a plurality of nodes therebetween. At least one node includes a non-constant radius of curvature.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to delivery devices for transcatheter stented prosthesis loading, delivery and implantation. The delivery devices provide a loaded delivery state in which the stented prosthesis is loaded and compressed over the delivery device. The compression of the stented prosthesis can be adjusted with one or more elongate tension members, which extend around the stented prosthesis and proximately to an actuation and release assembly that can be provided as part of a handle assembly. The delivery device can be manipulated to adjust tension in the tension members to permit the stented prosthesis to compress, self-expand, and ultimately release from the shaft assembly. In some embodiments, the tension in one or more tension members is adjusted with one or more actuation and release assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intraluminal guiding device having an expandable guiding member so as to facilitate and overcome the difficulties associated with obtaining contra-lateral leg access of a bifurcated stent or a bifurcated stent graft with a second guidewire and a method for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms with such a device. The guiding device comprises a pre-loaded second wire positioned within the contra-lateral leg which facilitates access to said leg in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an endoluminal prosthesis deployment system and method for deploying the prosthesis for cannulation of branch vessels. The prosthesis includes an anterior fenestration and a posterior opening. A guide is disposed to exit the prosthesis lumen through a lateral fenestration, enter through the anterior fenestration, and exit the prosthesis lumen through the posterior opening. A sheath can be preloaded over the branch wire at the lateral fenestration for vessel cannulation, such as in renal arteries. The sheath can include another branch wire that extends from the lateral fenestration to another lateral fenestration. An end of the guide is retracted after partial expansion of the prosthesis, and another sheath is inserted over the retracted guide and moved through the posterior opening and to the anterior fenestration. A separate branch guide wire is then directed through the sheath for vessel cannulation, such as the SMA.

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

Abstract: The present wrist brace includes an adjustable panel and an advantageous lacing configuration that provides a cast-like compression on a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand. Pulling the lacing mechanism equilibrates lace tension along the length of the wrist brace in a way that applies consistent compression to the patient's forearm and wrist.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method and/or system may include an orthotic device configured to limit expansion of a subject's chest. The orthotic device may include an elongated band, a pulley assembly, and a locking mechanism. The elongated band wraps, during use, around a chest of a subject comprising a first end couplable to a first base and a second end couplable to a second base. An elongated member, of the pulley assembly, may couple a first routing member to a second routing member such that by applying, during use, a pulling force to the elongated member a distance between the first and the second routing members decreases. The routing members may be removably coupled to the respective bases. The pulley assembly may include a locking mechanism which inhibits movement of the elongated member relative to at least one of the routing members such that the distance is inhibited from increasing.

Abstract: The end of the elongated tubular element of the appliance that is designed to be inserted into a body cavity is formed entirely of soft, compliant material. That end carries an inflatable balloon made of non-expandable material, formed in the fully inflated shape, to prevent overexpansion. The balloon is inflated to a predetermined low pressure level to prevent pressure necrosis in the adjacent tissue. A method and apparatus for introducing the soft end of the appliance into the body cavity are also provided. The introducer apparatus includes rigid core surrounded by a soft, compliant sleeve. The sleeve extends beyond the rigid core to form an invertable section. The soft end of the appliance is situated adjacent the apparatus, the balloon is wrapped around the apparatus, and the sleeve section is inverted over the appliance, compressing the balloon and forming a soft, rounded insertion tip. The unit is then introduced into the body cavity.

Abstract: An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes upper and lower jaw braces and a tongue-engaging member. The upper and lower jaw braces are connected so that the lower jaw brace is advanced in an anterior direction relative to the upper jaw brace when the upper and lower jaw braces are closed together. A partial vacuum is drawn in the oral cavity and the vacuum and lower jaw displacement together control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions.

Abstract: An anti-snoring mouth guard for insertion into a mouth of a user for decreasing snoring and the effects of sleep apnea includes a mouthpiece portion having a bottom wall and a pair of upstanding side walls displaced and opposite one another and extending upwardly from the bottom wall, said mouthpiece having a hemispherical configuration that is complementary to a shape of the user's teeth. Collectively, the bottom wall and pair of side walls define a channel operable to receive teeth of a user's upper pallet. The anti-snoring mouth guard includes tongue depressor portion having a proximal end coupled to the mouthpiece and having a body extending rearwardly at a generally downward angle. A brace may extend between rear ends of the mouthpiece portion and define levels by which the tongue depressor may be inserted such that the tongue depressor may be adjusted vertically and front-to-back.

Abstract: Dry eye treatment apparatus and methods are described herein which generally comprise a patch or strip affixed to the skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids to deliver heat or other forms of energy, pressure, drugs, moisture, etc. (alone or in combination) to the one or more meibomian glands contained within the underlying skin. The treatment strip or strips include one or more strips configured to adhere to an underlying region of skin in proximity to one or both eyes of a subject such that the one or more strips allow for the subject to blink naturally without restriction from the one or more patches. Moreover, the one or more strips may be configured to emit energy to the underlying region of skin and where the one or more strips are shaped to follow a location of one or more meibomiam glands contained within the underlying region of skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of central nervous system pathology treatment through selective hypothermia. Brain and spinal cord cooling is achieved through a closed loop catheter system inserted directly into the cerebrospinal fluid space. The catheter comprises of a portion that dilates in a pulsatile or peristaltic fashion and facilitates circulation of the cooled cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve applying thermal therapy to tissue (e.g., localized cooling or heating of tissue), and in particular applying thermal therapy to the spinal canal, tissue disposed within the spinal canal, and/or nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. In some embodiments, tissue can be cooled or heated by implanting a malleable or deformable thermal device in proximity to the targeted tissue. The thermal device can be left in place following surgery to facilitate application of post-surgical thermal therapy. In some embodiments, the thermal device can be removed post-surgery in a minimally- or non-invasive manner. The thermal device can be connectionless or can include penetrable regions, pre-attached tubing, or detachable connectors to facilitate application of cooling or heating means to the device. Methods are disclosed for utilizing thermal devices and for carrying out various treatment regimens that involve cooling or heating tissue using such devices.

Abstract: A cartridge droplet dosage device with a cartridge (1) and an actuation element (2), whereby the cartridge (1) includes a reservoir body (3), a cladding (5) and a plug (6), characterized in that a fluid groove (9) projects from the reservoir body (3) into an inner tube valve area (11), whereby the fluid groove (9) is releasable either by the yielding of a sealing rib (12) and/or by the yielding of a part of the cladding (5).

Abstract: An aqueous humor drainage device for implantation into a tissue passage leading into the anterior chamber of the eye. In one aspect, the device includes a flexible tube and a tissue sealing structure extending radially outward from the tube in at least two different directions. The tissue sealing structure is spaced apart from and intermediate cylindrical outer surfaces of proximal and distal portions of the tube. The tissue sealing structure extends radially outward beyond the cylindrical outer surfaces of the proximal and distal portions of the tube. The tissue sealing structure has a second maximal cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a first maximal cross-sectional dimension of the tube and is configured to interface to the tissue passage and form a seal between the tissue passage and the tissue sealing structure. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to treatment apparatus (10) for correcting a refractive error of an eye (12) that includes a laser device (14) for separating corneal tissue by means of laser radiation (16); a control device (18) designed to control the laser device (14) to emit the laser radiation (16) for cutting out and/or ablating a volume (24) out of the surface (26) of the cornea (22) of the eye (12) in dependency on a measured pachymetry of the cornea (22) and the refractive error of the eye (12), whereby the cut-out and/or ablated volume (24) in the surface (20) of the cornea (22) results in a shape of a closed ring, a partial ring, a crescent or a crescent shaped closed ring. A method for controlling such an apparatus for correcting a refractive error of an eye, and to a protective mask for an eye are also provided.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a laser treatment device to an object for treatment. The adapter has an input side, which may be fixed relative to the laser treatment device, by a locking mechanism and which may be fixed to the object, for alignment of the object relative to the laser treatment device. A scanned laser beam is introduced on the input side, from the laser treatment device, along a beam path to the object with a reference structure. The reference structure lies on the beam path of the adapter and may be optically detected by means of the laser beam scanned over the region.

Abstract: A computing platform that analyzes a captured video stream to identify a document depicted in the video stream, validates identification information corresponding to the document to display an information address associated with the document, and that initiates a transaction based on the validation of the identification information associated with the document.