Abstract: An implant insertion instrument, and an implant are provided. The instrument includes a handle, a sleeve mounted to a distal end of the handle, and an implant rod disposed within the sleeve. The implant rod includes a gripper disposed on a distal end of the implant rod. The gripper has a first prong spaced apart from a second prong, the second prong being longer than the first prong. The implant includes an implant body, the implant body having a convex surface opposite a concave surface wherein an outer surface of the implant is continuous so as to prevent bone growth within the implant. Accordingly, the instrument facilitates the engagement of the implant by a simple push of the sleeve. Further, the implant has a continuous surface so as to inhibit bone growth and facilitate removal of the implant from the surgical site.

Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.

Abstract: Systems and methods for prosthetic device control with a unified virtual constraint that controls an entire gait cycle of the prosthetic device.

Abstract: An adapter module (2) configured to be attached, by a predetermined number of screws (4), to a socket member (6) of a prosthetic sleeve (8), into which sleeve (8) an amputation stump of a prosthesis user is to be inserted. The adapter module (2) comprises a module body (10) provided with a washer space (12) structured to provide room for a disc-shaped connection washer (14), the washer space (12) has an extension to provide for movement of the connection washer (14) within a plane essentially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A of said prosthetic sleeve (8) prior the connection washer (14) is fixated in a determined position. The connection washer (14) is provided with a through-going first opening (16) structured to receive a washer attachment screw (18) such that the screw essentially extends along said longitudinal axis A. The through-going first opening (16) is preferably positioned off-centered of the washer (14) in order to maximize movement of the washer in all directions within the plane.

Abstract: A heart valve replacement device for endovascular repair is provided. The heart valve replacement device includes a plurality of fibers for creating a seal with an anatomy of the patient. A heart valve is carried by an inner graft covering.

Abstract: A system is provided to effectively position a stent within a vessel. The system includes a delivery catheter and a core wire extend through the catheter. The core wire includes an engaging surface region and a capture member disposed thereon, which cooperate to engage a stent such that the stent is able to be advanced or retracted with the advancement or retraction of the core wire. The engaging surface region and the capture member can generally be configured to engage the stent when a portion of the stent is disposed within the lumen of the catheter, and release the stent when no portion of the stent is within the lumen.

Abstract: A bariatric device and method of causing at least partial satiety in a recipient includes positioning a body in a recipient, the body having a wall defining a lumen, the wall configured to generally conform to the shape and size of the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach. Force is exerted with the wall on the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach in the absence of food thereby activating receptors located in the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach, thereby influencing a neurohormonal feedback mechanism of the recipient to cause at least partial satiety by augmenting fullness caused by food and simulating fullness in the absence of food.

Abstract: The ergonomic protective shell device of the orthosis type includes a structure provided with a front end and a rear end. The structure has a shape widening from the front end to the rear end and is symmetrical along a longitudinal vertical median plane. The structure includes at least one cavity extending from one to the other of the ends. The cavity follows the widening shape and includes a narrowing in the area of the widened rear end. There are rigid support zones formed in the area of the widened rear end on each side of the narrowing of the cavity.

Abstract: A knee brace includes a body, a flexible strap, and a handle. The body is configured to support and circumferentially extend around a knee of a subject. The flexible strap includes a body end and a handle end, and the flexible strap is secured to the body at the body end; and a handle secured with the handle end of the flexible strap. The handle may include a rigid member with a gripping feature. The knee brace, or components thereof, may be constructed of an elastic synthetic polymer, such as nylon.

Abstract: An orthosis for the correction of a varus/valgus malalignment of a person comprises a support device which in the frontal plane has an L shape and a support limb reaching under the foot of the person and establishing contact with a tread and a splint arrangement extending laterally upwards along the leg, said splint arrangement being connectible to the lower leg of the person via a fastening device. The splint arrangement is subdivided into a contact limb to rest laterally against the foot and a splint to rest laterally against the lower leg and to exert a torque onto the lower leg by a rotary joint which is arranged approximately at the level of the ankle joint. The orthosis allows an effective correction of the malalignment using only one foot part and a splint which extends laterally along the lower leg.

Abstract: An orthopedic device configured to provide support and/or resistance to a joint. The orthopedic device is adjustable and lightweight and configured to permit a substantial full range of motion of the joint. The orthopedic device can comprise a torso portion, an upper arm portion, and a support system, wherein at least the support system is adapted to mimic part of the muscular system structure and function of the muscles that are used during the range of motion of the joint.

Abstract: A thermoformable spinal brace for customizable shaping to a wearer by a skilled clinician, preferably worn under the wearer's clothes and worn over and releasably attached to a subsystem of neuromotor training garments for the torso. The subsystem of garments for the torso may include upper- and lower-torso garments whether unitary or two or more pieces interconnected with flexible straps. An anterior apron assembly with strapping is included for further support, creating a unique therapeutic mammalian musculoskeletal spinal orthosis system.

Abstract: A cervical collar including an anterior portion having a rigid or semi-rigid shell anterior main support piece. The anterior portion defines resilient or flexible edges formed along the periphery of the main support piece. The flexible edges form a three-dimensional anatomically configured proximal support portion defined along a proximal area of the anterior portion. The anterior main support piece defines a supporting spring portion centrally located along the proximal area of the anterior portion. The proximal support portion is formed around and encompasses the supporting spring portion.

Abstract: Orthopaedic device and a method of use thereof are provided for treating a bone fracture. The orthopaedic device includes a sheet cover configured to extend over a portion of a patient's skin corresponding to a bone fracture under the skin, the sheet cover configured to form an enclosed volume between the portion of the patient's skin and the sheet cover, wherein the sheet cover comprises a vacuum port, the vacuum port configured to apply a vacuum to withdraw a gaseous volume from the enclosed volume and a member, the member configured to be in the enclosed volume, the member configured to deform in at least a direction towards the skin and apply a force to the fracture.

Abstract: An arm retainer for supporting a patient's arm at a desired position on an articulatable support assembly secured to an operating table. The arm retainer includes a rigid arm tray (11) provided with a pair of spaced openings (16) for securement of a disposable arm support liner (10) to the tray. The arm support liner (10) is comprised of a sheet of malleable material (13) with a soft engagement surface (14) for skin contact with the patient and is provided with a predetermined cut configuration for wrapping the malleable liner (10) about the patient's arm for retention of the arm therein. The liner (10) has two spaced foldout tabs (17) aligned with the corresponding tray openings (16) for securing the liner to the tray (11) by folding the tabs (17) through respective of the openings (16) and thereafter against the bottom side (9) of the tray.

Abstract: A support assembly for a portion of a user's body includes a pivotable frame with a top elongated member, a bottom elongated member, a first side member and a second side member, the top elongated member and bottom elongated members each having first and second ends that are pivotably connected to top and bottom ends of the first side member and the second side member, respectively. A support element is operatively connected to the pivotable frame and a tensioner mechanism is adapted to adjust an amount of force required to move the support element relative to the first side member. The tension member is disposed within one of the top and the bottom elongated member and exerts a tensile force parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the one of the top and the bottom elongated member.

Abstract: A system for anal and/or stomal irrigation comprises a reservoir (102) for an irrigating liquid, a catheter (100) comprising a catheter tip for insertion into the rectum or stoma of a user and for expelling of the irrigating liquid from the catheter tip, and a tubing system (121) providing a conduit for the irrigating liquid between the reservoir and the catheter tip. A pump (101) is provided to pump the irrigating liquid from the reservoir to the catheter tip, and a control system (103) controls a flow condition, such as the amount of liquid expelled at the catheter tip. A sensor (153) determines a measure of pressure in at least one first predetermined position in the tubing system and/or the catheter during operation of the pump, on the basis of which the flow condition is estimated. The control system is configured to control the pumping operation of the pump in response to the measure of pressure.

Abstract: A working fluid cassette for an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a frame holding two closely spaced, square polymeric membranes along the sides of which are disposed inlet and outlet tubes. Working fluid from the catheter is directed from the inlet tube between the membranes to the outlet tube. The cassette is closely received between two refrigerant cold plates to exchange heat with the working fluid, which is circulated back to the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for controlling a temperature of at least a part of a person, comprising an esophagus catheter to be inserted into the esophagus of the person for controlling the temperature. The esophagus catheter extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a proximal heat exchanger defining a first flow direction having a first axial component relative to the longitudinal axis, and a distal heat exchanger defining a second flow direction having a second axial component relative to the longitudinal axis. The esophagus catheter further comprises a plurality of coolant channels each in fluid communication with at least one of the proximal heat exchanger and the distal heat exchanger, and a coolant pump connected or connectable to at least one of the plurality of coolant channels. The assembly is configured to cause simultaneously a coolant flow through the proximal heat exchanger and the distal heat exchanger.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include an actuation structure, a nosecone fixed to the actuation structure by one or more links and one or more link pins, a flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed in the flexible housing tube and the actuation structure. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical laser system includes: a laser that produces a pulsed laser beam having a pulse energy and pulse repetition rate; a high frequency fast scanner; an XY-scan device; a Z-scan device; and a controller. The controller controls the high frequency scanner to produce a scan line having a scan width; controls the XY-scan device and the Z-scan device to carry out of first sweep of the scan line in a first sweep direction and to carry out a second sweep of the scan line in a second sweep direction that is not parallel to the first sweep direction thereby defining an overlap region. At least one of the pulse energy, repetition rate, XY-scan speed, and the scan width is varied so as to accelerate the cutting speed and reduce the exposure of ophthalmic tissue in the overlap region to multiple exposures of laser pulses configured to modify ophthalmic tissue.

Abstract: A loading device is configured to load a ventilation tube into an inserter device. The loading device includes a main body and at least one protruding member extending from the main body and terminating at a loading tip. An elongated hollow body has a first end, a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The elongated hollow body surrounds the at least one protruding member such that at least a portion of an outer facing surface of the protruding member engages with an inner wall of the elongated hollow body. A ventilation tube engages with the loading tip of the protruding member and is at least partially located within the elongated hollow body.

Abstract: A hearing protector having an ear cup forming a space for a wearer's ear. The ear cup has a shell with an ear facing inner side and a passageway extending through the shell between the ear facing inner side and an outer side of the shell. The ear cup further has a loudspeaker assembly which seals the passageway from the outer side. The loud speaker assembly further has a seal member and a loudspeaker module. A portion of the seal member is arranged between the shell and a fastener, and the fastener retains the loudspeaker assembly at the shell. The hearing protector facilitates manufacturing and maintenance and provides for maximize wearing comfort and technical reliability.

Abstract: Foam wound inserts with high-density and low-density regions, methods for making wound inserts, wound-treatment methods, and wound-treatment systems.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a system for treating a wound at a tissue site of a patient comprising a reduced-pressure source to supply reduced pressure, a drape adhering to the tissue site to cover the wound where possible leak passages between the drape and the tissue site may occur, and a seal disposed between the drape and the tissue site, is disclosed. The seal is adapted to react with a fluid to form a sealant substantially filling the passages in response to air leaking through the passages from outside the drape when reduced pressure is applied to the wound. According to another illustrative embodiment, a method for sealing a drape to a tissue site for treating a wound at the tissue site comprising applying the drape to cover the tissue site whereby passages are formed between the drape and the tissue site, positioning a seal between the drape and the tissue site wherein the seal is adapted to react with a fluid to form a sealant for substantially filling the passages, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nasal drip pad apparatus for use on an individual. The apparatus includes a drip pad assembly positioned configured to be positioned underneath an individual's nose and a string forming configured to form a pair of loops. One of the loops is placed around one of the patient's ears and the other one of the loops is placed around the other one of the patient's ears.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to allow for creation an elastic laminate. Non-stretched elastic can be laid at peaks over a nonwoven layer contained in valleys and atop peaks. Stretched elastic can be laid over tented nonwoven to create nonwoven tunnels when a second nonwoven is laid atop the first nonwoven and elastic, and the tunnels resist un-stretching of stretched elastic strands by frictional or obstruction forces. A laminated material comprising a first and second layer of material bonded at spaced apart bond sites is disclosed, with a plurality of elastic strands disposed in a non-linear manner between said first and second layer of material, so that said strands meander in a cross-machine direction and traverse a machine direction line, restraining movement of the strands by frictional forces between the strands and the non-woven layers.

Abstract: A method includes distributing a powder onto a first sheet, periodically closing a distribution port by a first opening-closing portion, and periodically closing the distribution port by a second opening-closing portion in the same cycle period as that of the first opening-closing portion and at a timing later than that of the first opening-closing portion. The method also includes moving the second opening-closing portion such that it extends from an upstream-side edge of the first opening-closing portion toward an upstream side of a movement direction, during a time period during which the upstream-side edge of the first opening-closing portion overlaps the distribution port. Further, the method includes setting a difference between timings at which the first and second opening-closing portion overlap the distribution port, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for folding discrete items such as diapers at high speeds. Discrete items are conveyed in a machine direction toward a pair of vacuum drums rotating in the machine direction and first carrying a top side of a leading edge of the discrete item away from the conveyor, and then carrying a bottom side of the leading edge with a second rotational vacuum drum back towards the conveyor. The diaper fold is created at a contact point with a folding finger which travels rotationally and straight in a fixed orientation about a pair of belts, into and out of contact with the diaper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical sponge which includes multiple plies of gauze and stitches. The multiple plies of gauze has one or more open sides. The stitches are adapted to fasten or close the open sides. The stitches are made with one or more contrasting threads.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis that includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketing system. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge. The leg gasketing system may also include a leg gasketing system pocket with an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the pocket.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides substrates and laminates for absorbent articles and absorbent articles comprising the substrates or laminates. The substrates and laminates may have three-dimensional elements, land areas, and increased permeability regions intermediate at least some of the land areas and at least some of the three-dimensional elements. The increased permeability regions may be positioned adjacent to the three-dimensional elements. The land areas may have a first basis weight and the increased permeability regions may have a second basis weight. The first basis weight may be greater than the second basis weight.

Abstract: An assistive mobility device comprising a seat and knee pad, the knee pad arranged to lift a person in a kneeling position into said seat and stabilize said person in said seat, maintaining supportive contact with the person's legs. The seat and knee pad each have an independent rotational tilt adjustment and can be raised and lowered together.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to docking systems for poles or other devices that can hold medical and/or accessory equipment, typically in a clinical or hospital environment, and can include associated docking systems for various devices such as beds, wheelchairs, walkers, wagons, and the like.

Abstract: A hospital bed assembly includes a bed frame that may be positioned on a support surface. A mattress lies on the bed frame and a user lies on the mattress. The mattress has an opening extending therethrough and the opening is aligned with the user's buttocks when the user lies on the mattress. A toilet unit is movably coupled to the mattress and the toilet unit receives feces and urine from the user. The toilet unit is fluidly coupled to a sewer thereby facilitating the feces and urine to be flushed into the sewer. Moreover, the toilet unit is aligned with the opening in the mattress. A control unit is coupled to the bed frame and the control unit is electrically coupled to the toilet unit to control operational parameters of the toilet unit.

Abstract: A manipulator arm for moving a load from a first position at a first elevation, to a second position at a second elevation, provides a base and defines plural spaced apart axle holes. A fulcrum lever link formed of a channel beam defines plural spaced apart axle holes. A first load member, and two support members extend between, and pivotally interconnect, the base plate and the fulcrum lever link and define a quadrilateral lift frame about the pivotal interconnections. An actuator operatively communicates between the first load member and the fulcrum lever link and the fulcrum lever link provides mechanical advantage to the actuator to cause the quadrilateral lift frame to change from a first configuration at the first position to a second configuration at the second position.

Abstract: An assisting device provide with: a movable base on which a care receiver rides; a raising and lowering member supported on the base to be movable in an up-down direction; a raising and lowering drive section configured to drive the raising and lowering member up and down; an oscillating member supported on the raising and lowering member to be capable of oscillating; an oscillating drive section configured to drive the oscillating of the oscillating member; a holding member supported on the oscillating member to be freely tiltable, and configured to hold an upper body of the care receiver; a first handle provided on the oscillating member; and a second handle provided on the holding member, and configured to tilt together with the holding member. Accordingly, practicality is improved with regard to safe moving operation of the assisting device and safe free tilting of the holding member.

Abstract: A wheelchair assembly that enables an occupant to rotate their self from the seating position to the prone or kneeling prone position so that the occupant may use their arms to better reach and grasp without the aid of another person.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical or organization cart with a cart body which is in particular essentially formed in the shape of a straight prism, and at least one corner post which may at least be indirectly fixed vertically to the cart body. At the corner post, at least one cross strap and/or one adapter, in particular made out of plastic, for attaching accessories at the medical or organization cart may be mounted. The adapter may be mounted both at the corner post and at the cross strap and/or the cross strap at the corner post, without using tools, in particular by clamping, and may be detached from the latter. The cross strap and/or the adapter may, when mounted at the corner post, be swiveled horizontally around the corner post.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a patient support system includes patient support tops for accommodating various body positions of a patient occupying the patient support tops. The patient support system may include various features to accommodate patient body positioning to facilitate surgical access.

Abstract: Shear-reduction cushioning devices are provided for the prevention of shear related wounds. Cushioning devices include upper and lower cushioning layers that contact each other through at least one internal shear reduction layer provided between the cushioning layers and extending over a shear reduction region, such that dynamic relative translation of the two cushioning layers is permitted within the shear reduction region while absorbing friction and shear internally. The interface between the cushioning layers (where the shear reduction layer is provided) may be angled relative to an external surface of the cushioning device. The cushioning layers may be attached or attachable to one another beyond the shear reduction region, to limit an amount of relative translation of the cushioning layers and to re-center or reset the cushioning layers after use.

Abstract: A wearable assistive device such as an exoskeleton may include a main frame that support a hip joint of a user. The main frame may have a predetermined curvature and structure that closely conforms to and remains in contact with a hip of the user at or near the hip joint so that the main frame may stably support both hip joints. While the user wears the exoskeleton and walks, bends, or lifts, the exoskeleton may stably and efficiently provide a force to assist a movement originating at the hip joint of the user, thereby aiding the user in stably walking, bending, or lifting.

Abstract: A apparatus includes an a exoskeleton system with a plurality of sensors for generating signals indicating a current motion and a current arrangement of at least the exoskeleton system, a hip segment, and at least one lower limb. The lower limb includes thigh and shank segments for coupling to a lateral surface of a user's leg. The thigh segment includes a first powered joint coupling the thigh segment to the hip segment, a second powered joint coupling the thigh segment to the shank segment, and a controller coupled to the sensors, the first powered joint, and the second powered joint. The controller is configured for determining a current state of the exoskeleton system and a current intent of the user based on the signals and generating control signals for the first and second powered joints based on the current state and the current intent.

Abstract: An assist device includes an upper-body belt attached to the upper body of a user, first and second belts attached to the knees, a first wire coupling the upper-body belt to the first belt, a second wire crossing the first wire, a third wire coupling the upper-body belt to the second belt, a fourth wire crossing the third wire, and a motor coupled to one end of each of the first to fourth wires. When assisting users with walking, tensions equal to a first threshold value or greater are applied to one of the first and second wires and one of the third and fourth wires by the motor at different times. When detecting slacking of the upper-body belt, tensions equal to the first threshold value or greater are simultaneously applied to one of the first and second wires and one of the third and fourth wires by the motor.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for setting a torque of a walking assistance apparatus. A rotation angle and a rotation angular velocity of the walking assistance apparatus may be measured to set the torque. An amount of torque to be set may be calculated based on the rotation angle and the rotation angular velocity of the walking assistance apparatus.

Abstract: An assistance apparatus includes first to eighth wires that couple an upper body belt to be worn on an upper body of a user to a first knee belt and a second knee belt to be worn above a left knee and a right knee of the user, respectively, and a motor. When the assistance apparatus assists the user in turning left, the motor generates a tension larger than or equal to a first threshold in each of the second wire, the fourth wire, the sixth wire, and the eighth wire. When the fourth wire or the second wire is broken, the motor changes the wire in which a tension is generated.

Abstract: Stimulation devices and methods of use are described herein. An example stimulation device configured to stimulate a portion of a body of a user comprises a housing that includes a casing and a covering. The casing includes a nozzle, a motor disposed within the casing configured to generate stimulation patterns, a drive shaft connected to the motor, a sensor configured to detect changes in the rotation of the draft shaft, a controller, and a battery. The covering covers a portion of the casing.

Abstract: A mechanism attached to a mechanical CPR device can be automatically attached to the patient's torso. The mechanical CPR device can extend the mechanism to a first position at which the mechanism comes into contact with the patient's torso. The mechanism can be further extended until a first threshold is reached. The mechanism can be retracted to the first position. The mechanism can be further retracted from the first position until a second threshold is exceeded. The mechanism can then be extended to a second point at which the second threshold is no longer exceeded. The mechanism may comprise a suction cup or sticker plate, and may be attached to an end of a piston of the mechanical CPR device.

Abstract: A chest compression device for cardiopulmonary resuscitation comprises a support structure 2 for placement about a patient's chest and for holding a chest compressor 6 above a patient's sternum; a chest compressor 6 mounted on the support structure 2; and lateral chest supports 14 attached to the support structure 2 at points laterally either side of the chest when the device is in use, such that the lateral chest supports 14 will apply lateral pressure to the sides of the chest synchronized with a chest compression by the chest compressor 6.

Abstract: A cold-hot mixed type humidifying facial steamer comprising a shell, wherein a water tank assembly is arranged on one side of the inner chamber of the shell, and a fan is arranged on the other side of the inner chamber of the shell; a cold humidifying mist chamber is arranged below the water tank assembly; the cold humidifying mist chamber is connected with a hot humidifying steam chamber through a water pipe; an atomizer is arranged underneath the cold humidifying mist chamber; the top of the cold humidifying mist chamber is connected with one side of the bottom of an herb feeding chamber through a cold mist conveying pipe; a heating element is arranged in the hot humidifying steam chamber; the hot humidifying steam chamber is connected with the other side of the bottom of the herb feeding chamber through a hot steam conveying pipe.