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

Abstract: Methods for delivering a prosthetic valve comprise introducing the prosthetic heart valve into a body of a patient. The prosthetic valve is mounted within a delivery sheath of a delivery apparatus in a radially compressed state. The prosthetic valve is advanced through the body to a delivery location. A motor is actuated to cause the delivery sheath to retract to expose the prosthetic valve and the prosthetic valve expands to a radially expanded state at the delivery location. The methods can also include releasing the prosthetic valve from the delivery apparatus and removing the delivery apparatus from the patient.

Abstract: A delivery device usable to deliver an inverting implant is provided that includes a positioning mechanism that automatically initiates the inversion process once a predetermined length of the implant has exited a delivery catheter. The positioning mechanism allows the implant to be safely and accurately deployed with reduced operator experience and in a greater variety of target locations.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for repairing a native heart valve. In one embodiment, a repair device for repairing a native mitral valve having an anterior leaflet and a posterior leaflet between a left atrium and a left ventricle comprises a support having a contracted configuration and an extended configuration, and an appendage, such as a flap or apron extending from the support. In the contracted configuration, the support is sized to be inserted under the posterior leaflet between a wall of the left ventricle and chordae tendineae. In the extended configuration, the support is configured to project anteriorly with respect to a posterior wall of the left ventricle by a distance sufficient to position at least a portion of the posterior leaflet toward the anterior leaflet, and the appendage is configured to extend beyond an edge of the posterior leaflet toward the anterior leaflet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heart implant comprising a tubular attachment element (1) for attaching a sheath, particularly having a sheath being coaxially positioned around at least a part of the tubular attachment element (1) and fixed to it, the tubular attachment element (1) having a lower end (1a) and an upper end (1b) and being split into several strips (2) at the upper end (1b), the strips (2) forming an expandable cage (C), particularly for fixing the heart implant to the atrium of the heart by surface contact between an exterior surface of the expandable cage (C) and an interior atrium surface, wherein in an expanded state the strips (2) extend from the upper end (1b) towards the lower end (1a) of the tubular attachment element (1) and form an expanded cage (C) being positioned around at least an upper part of the tubular attachment element (1).

Abstract: A delivery system includes an elongate shaft, a handle, a first clasp control member, and a second clasp control member. The handle is connected to a proximal portion of the elongate shaft. The first and second clasp control members each extend into a distal portion of the elongate shaft, through at least a portion of the elongate shaft, out of the proximal portion of the elongate shaft, and through the handle. The first and second clasp control members have paths that include a first parallel portion in the elongate shaft where the first clasp control member and the second clasp control member are parallel, and a diverging portion that is proximal to the first parallel portion where the first clasp control member diverges from the second clasp control member.

Abstract: Bone implant compositions are provided that include a body made of cortical bone extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. The body includes an outer surface configured to engage host bone of a patient and at least one recess extending transverse to the axis into the outer surface of the body configured for disposal of an insert. At least one insert made of demineralized bone is disposed in the at least one recess.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant having a titanium or titanium alloy body with a plurality of surfaces. The orthopedic implant is produced according to a process comprising the steps of: (a) additively building the orthopedic implant; and then (b) mechanically, chemically, or mechanically and chemically eroding one or more surfaces of the orthopedic implant to (i) remove alpha case from, and (ii) impart an osteoinducting roughness including micro-scale structures and nano-scale structures into, the one or more surfaces.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, inserting an expandable implant into the cavity, the implant configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity, and expanding the implant within the cavity.

Abstract: Inflatable spinal implants are disclosed for intra-vertebral or inter-vertebral reduction and fixation of osteoporotic fractures in a spine. An inflatable implant may include an inflatable member having an interior for receiving a hardenable fluid and an expandable jacket to cause differential and directional expansion of the inflatable member. A one-way valve may be configured to prevent hardenable fluid from escaping out of the inflatable member. An inflatable implant may include a connection fixation device having a fluid coupling configured for releasable engagement with an inflation cannula and an anchoring portion configured for holding the implant in place within a vertebra. The fluid coupling may also be configured for releasable engagement with an anti-rotation device, which may be used to hold the implant stationary to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the inflation cannula with the fluid coupling. Related systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices, methods and surgical procedures for altering and/or correcting the alignment of adjacent bones, including bones of the spine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compressed bone-based products and methods to make the same. The maintained compressed state of the product serves to enhance the product's inherent osteoconductivity.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for delivering and affixing tissue replacements. In one embodiment, a tissue scaffold can be delivered into a patient through a cannula to a cavity formed at a defect site in tissue, e.g., cartilage. A delivery shaft can be used to deliver the scaffold through the cannula, and a loading device can help load the scaffold onto the delivery shaft. A delivery guide device can position and temporarily hold the scaffold within the cavity. The delivery guide device can guide one or more surgical instruments to the scaffold to affix the scaffold within the cavity, e.g., to bone underlying the scaffold, using at least one securing mechanism.

Abstract: A bone cleaning assembly (102, 602) with cleaning elements (690, 724, 1230, 1264) that remove soft tissue bone stock. The module also includes a clearing element (778) that is periodically urged against the cleaning elements to remove bone stock trapped by the cleaning elements from the cleaning elements.

Abstract: Prosthetic feet that allow for heel height adjustment and/or provide metatarsal joint functionality to more closely mimic natural human feet are provided. A prosthetic foot can include an ankle module having a locking mechanism configured to lock the heel at a particular height. The prosthetic foot can also include a toe region that adapts to varying heel heights. The ankle module and/or locking mechanism can be adjusted, controlled, and/or locked via a hydraulic mechanism. The toe region can curve upward relative to a portion of the foot proximal of the toe region.

Abstract: A braided stent system includes an expansion ring attached to internal and external surfaces of a lumen. A frame of the ring may impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the lumen, the frame including a plurality of elongate members joined at a coupling and at first and second intersections opposite the coupling. A clip can extend from the intersections and can be operable to slidably secure the frame to the inner and outer surfaces of the lumen.

Abstract: The present application discloses a covered stent and a method for navigating the covered stent to a branch vessel, the covered stent comprising a main body and at least one lateral side branch connected to the main body, wherein the lateral side branch is flexible and expandable. A system of covered stents and a method for interconnecting the covered stents is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of making an implant for medical use, having a body formed of a plurality of single strands of a first material. The body further includes at least one multi-strand of radiopaque material incorporated among the single strands, the multi-strand having at least two side-by-side filaments of radiopaque material that lie substantially contiguous to each other over substantially the entire length of the multi-strand.

Abstract: A method of making a method of making a stent includes forming a precursor stent using micro-cladding. The precursor stent includes a plurality of bands made of a first material disposed adjacent to each other and a plurality of connectors connecting each band to an adjacent band. The precursor stent includes a plurality of first connectors configured to remain and a plurality of second connectors made by functionally grading the first material with a second material to create embrittlement. The plurality of second connectors are configured to be removed. The precursor stent is processed to remove the plurality of second connectors without adversely affecting the bands and the plurality of first connectors. The second material may be a radiopaque material.

Abstract: Devices for delivering and deploying an endoluminal prosthesis are disclosed and comprise a delivery catheter, an endoluminal prosthesis disposed at a distal end portion of the delivery catheter, and a wire. The prosthesis comprises a tubular graft having at least one fenestration. The wire extends distally from a first wire end through an axial lumen of the delivery catheter and the prosthesis, and through the fenestration in the graft. The wire extends proximally through a lumen of the prosthesis and through an axial lumen of the delivery catheter towards a second wire end. Additional devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A delivery device for a self-expanding implant, including an inner shaft, a slidable member disposed over the inner shaft, an actuation member, a rolling membrane, and a slitting member. The actuation member is coupled to the slidable member, and the rolling membrane is disposed over the self-expanding implant, the rolling member including a proximal end secured to the inner shaft, and a distal end secured to the slidable member. The slitting member includes a proximal end secured to the inner shaft, and a distal end secured to the slidable member, such that translation of the slidable member over the inner shaft in a proximal direction contemporaneously translates the rolling membrane and the slitting member in the proximal direction.

Abstract: A support brace has a conjoining component, an extending component, a guiding set, an adjusting set, and an operating set. The guiding set has a guiding pole mounted to the conjoining component. The adjusting set is mounted to the extending component and has an adjusting sheet with a through hole located around and engaged with the guiding pole. The operating set has a pressing pole able to press the adjusting sheet and to disengage the through hole of the adjusting sheet and the guiding pole, and make the extending component to which the adjusting set is mounted moveable relative to the conjoining component along a moving direction. The support brace is longitudinally adjustable, is suitable for different limb lengths, and is able to reduce cost of casting orthopedic cast and purchasing appliances of orthotics of different sizes.

Abstract: A ankle brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the ankle. The ankle brace includes a base and a tension member. The base is made of elastic material and configured to closely fit around portions of the ankle and adjacent foot and leg portions. A tensioning member is fastened to the interior surface of the base, with the tensioning straps extending through apertures in the base for detachable attachment to the exterior surface of the base.

Abstract: A wrist joint bandage includes a main body part including a woven fabric and having a band shape and a loop face, an anchor part joined to one end of the main body part, and an engaging part joined to the other end of the main body part and having a hook face such that the hook face detachably sticks to the loop face. The main body part has a winding part on one end side of the main body part and a supporting part on the other end side such that the winding part has a straight line shape and winds around a wrist of the wearer and that the supporting part has a straight line shape and extends from the back of the hand or the palm to the wrist. The supporting part and the winding part have the straight line shapes having the same width.

Abstract: An exoskeleton includes two torque generators, two thigh links, and a supporting trunk rotatably coupled to the thigh links. When a wearer bends forward in the sagittal plane such that the supporting trunk extends beyond a predetermined angle A with respect to vertical, at least one of the torque generators imposes a resisting torque between the supporting trunk and a corresponding thigh link, thus imposing a force onto a wearer's trunk and thighs to aid in supporting the wearer in a bent position. The exoskeleton may include an active or passive means for actuating the generators. When the supporting trunk does not extend beyond the predetermined angle A, the torque generators do not impose resisting torques between the supporting trunk and the thigh links during the entire range of motion of the thigh links, thus enabling a wearer to walk, run and sit without constraint while in an upright position.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to drainage bag systems configured to facilitate disposal of a fluid therein and methods of using the drainage bag systems. For example, the drainage bag systems may include a drainage container configured to receive and hold a fluid from a patient. The drainage container may be fluidly coupled and reversibly attached to a bag. The bag may be configured to selectively receive at least some of fluid held by the drainage container. The bag may be detached from the drainage container and disposed of in a substantially fluid tight manner without disrupting operation of the drainage container (e.g., receiving and holding a fluid).

Abstract: A urine collector for collecting urine for a user includes a basin which includes a collector including a bottom wall and a surrounding wall upwardly extended therefrom to define a cavity and a top opening, and a top cover supported on the top opening of the collector; and a urine guider provided at the bottom wall of the collector for collecting urine at a peripheral portion thereof for collecting the urine at the urine guider within the cavity of the collector, wherein the bottom wall of the collector further includes an enlarge bottom base defining a circular guiding slot, and an inner concave guiding bottom extended inward and upward from the enlarge bottom base, so that the enlarge bottom base enhances a stabilization of the collector, wherein the urine guider is provided at the inner concave guiding bottom.

Abstract: A forced air warming blanket for providing conditioned gas to a patient and a method of using and manufacturing the same. The forced air warming blanket comprises a first blanket portion which comprises a generally U-shaped inflatable region, at least part of the external surface of the inflatable region being air permeable, as well as an inlet port for receiving temperature conditioned gas. An inner blanket portion is provided within the generally U-shaped inflatable region of the first blanket portion. The inner blanket portion is at least partially (or wholly) detachable from the first blanket portion. The inner blanket portion may also have an inflatable region. An outer blanket portion may be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a needle, a catheter, and an actuator assembly. The needle extends distally from the body. The needle has an inner wall defining a needle lumen. The needle lumen is in fluid communication with a fluid port of the body. The catheter is slidably disposed in the needle lumen. The catheter has a catheter lumen. The first actuator assembly is configured to translate the catheter within and relative to the needle. The apparatus may also include an actuator assembly that is configured to rotate the needle relative to the body. The apparatus may be used to first deliver a leading bleb of fluid to the subretinal space in a patient's eye via the needle. The apparatus may then be used to deliver a therapeutic agent to the subretinal space in the patient's eye via the catheter.

Abstract: An instrument for removing debris from an eye during the treatment of an ocular disorder has a swab and a rigid member. The swab includes a tip portion sized to provide access to the debris on an eyelid of the eye. The rigid member has a distal end portion affixed to the swab and a proximal end portion with a cross-sectional member profile. The cross-sectional member profile is non-circular and has a first groove. The first groove extends longitudinally along the proximal end portion for cooperating with a chuck such that rotation of the proximal end portion within the chuck is inhibited.

Abstract: Intraocular pressure in an eye is reduced by delivering each of a high resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) beam and a high resolution laser beam through the cornea, and the anterior chamber into the irido-corneal angle along an angled beam path. The OCT beam provides OCT imaging for diagnostic purposes and surgery planning and monitoring, while the laser beam is configured to modify tissue. A volume of ocular tissue within an outflow pathway in the irido-corneal angle is modified to reduce a pathway resistance present in one or more of the trabecular meshwork, the Schlemm's canal, and the one or more collector channels by applying the laser beam to ocular tissue defining the volume to thereby cause photo-disruptive interaction with the ocular tissue to reduce the pathway resistance or create a new outflow pathway.

Abstract: A first optical subsystem includes a window with a refractive index nw and an exit lens having a refractive index nx. The exit lens is configured to couple to the window to define a first optical axis extending through the window and the exit lens. A second optical subsystem is configured to output a light beam. The light beam is directed to be incident at a convex surface of the exit lens along a second optical axis at an angle ? that is offset from the first optical axis. The window is configured to detachably couple to the cornea of the eye such that the first optical axis is generally aligned with a direction of view of the eye. The respective refractive indices nw and nx are configured to direct the light beam incident at the convex surface of the exit lens through the cornea of the eye toward the irido-corneal angle.

Abstract: Eye shield including a curved body having a size to cover a person's eye. The body has a concave side configured to face the eye and an opposite convex side. The body has a circumferential edge and openings in a central region. The body includes a spaced apart pair of notches each extending inward from the circumferential edge but not communicating with the openings. Each notch defines an opening between opposed surfaces. A piece of adhesive tape wider than a distance between the notches passes through both notches alongside the concave side of the body between the notches and over the convex side of the body laterally outside of the notches. Another body has a central region made of an optically clear material and a peripheral region surrounding the central region made from a resilient flexible material and which defines the circumferential edge of the body.

Abstract: A welding protector (1) has a curved eye protection shield (10) with an electrically switchable light filter. The welding protector further has a magnifying cover (20) for arrangement on an eye facing inner side of the eye protection shield. The magnifying cover is pre-shaped based on a curve that extends equidistant to the curve the eye protection shield is based on. Further, the magnifying cover has two optical lenses (27) which in combination only partially cover the eye protection shield.

Abstract: A sound-filtering device can include an entry port that receives sound from an environment when the device is coupled to an ear of a user. The device can further include an exit port that delivers sound that has passed through the device to the ear of the user. The device can further include a channel extending between the entry port and the exit port to define a path along which sound travels from the entry port to the exit port. The device can also include a side port in fluid communication with the channel and a resonant chamber offset from the path defined by the channel and in fluid communication with the channel via the side port. The resonant chamber can attenuate at least a portion of any sound passing through the channel that is within a band of frequencies narrower than a full audible spectrum of the user.

Abstract: Systems, kits, methods of manufacturing, and a sealing member for creating a sealed space are described. The sealing member can include a film layer and a first adhesive layer coupled to the film layer. The sealing member can also include a second adhesive layer coupled to the first adhesive layer. A plurality of apertures may extend through the second adhesive layer. Each aperture can expose at least a portion of the first adhesive layer through the second adhesive layer. A plurality of polymer particles may be disposed in the first adhesive layer. The polymer particles can be configured to dissolve in response to interaction with a switching solution.

Abstract: An adhesive article that remains securely bonded to a substrate until a stimuli is applied. The article may be embodied as an adhesive tape, a bandage, or as other articles. The stimuli may be a change in temperature or application of a reduction that causes a structure within the article to break, creak, or otherwise disrupt to expose the adhesive to a solvent, such as via a difference in Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) or by exposing the article to a glass transition temperature.

Abstract: A method for making absorbent sanitary articles whereby each absorbent article is provided with at least one pair of side tabs. The method includes the steps of feeding a single continuous web with a longitudinal axis towards at least one cutting station where the continuous web is divided, by a succession of cuts transverse to the longitudinal axis, into a first and a second series of side tabs, each of which has an asymmetrical shape and separately applying each rotated side tab of the first series and each side tab of the second series along a continuous strip of a material for making the absorbent articles, in such a way that each rotated tab of the first series is juxtaposed with a respective tab of the second series to define a respective pair of side tabs.

Abstract: A device for cutting a web of material comprises movement means for moving a web of material to be cut, defining a feed path for the web at least partly rotatable about a central axis and equipped with at least one conveyor mounted around the central axis, at least one cutting head equipped with a laser source and an optical system configured to direct the laser beam towards a cutting zone, where the optical system of the cutting head comprises at least one directing member located inside the conveyor to direct the laser beam away from the central axis towards the cutting zone.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising an organic polymer and a mica containing effect pigment, e.g., a pearlescent pigment comprising mica, well suited for producing molded articles, in particular, for molding articles comprising thin sections and or delicate features, such as a hollow interior defined by a thin wall or structural features susceptible to tear or other damage and the like, is provided as are a method for preparing molded articles comprising the polymer composition and articles comprising the polymer composition, including, for example, an article used to deliver a medical or personal care component such as a tampon applicator, and a method for preparing molded articles comprising the polymer composition. Optionally, articles of the present disclosure have a varying translucency or opacity about a dimension of the article.

Abstract: Various methods for detecting moisture in briefs compatible with high volume manufacturing are disclosed. The embodiments herein facilitate protection of the method of adding moisture sensing to a diaper, but could also be used to add sensing to pads and bandages. The primary design intent is optimal moisture detection and low per unit cost. Electrodes within a garment measure electrical properties of the electrodes to determine if the item has contacted moisture. The target moisture is urine, however, other sources and types of moisture can also be sensed. Additional analysis capabilities can be added by selecting particular electrodes or add materials that may react with chemical components of the moisture. Applications of the research Include monitor of incontinence using smart brief (e.g. diaper); monitor perspiration, bleeding, or failure of the protective garment; and monitoring exposure of an item to moisture, including but not limited to inanimate items.

Abstract: An array of packages may comprise three or more different sizes of disposable absorbent articles. The Product Length-to-Waist Silhouette of an array of three or more absorbent articles may be from about 0.9 to about 1.1 or from about 0.5 to about 0.7.

Abstract: Provided are a perforated non-woven fabric and a production method thereof. The perforated non-woven fabric is formed by overlapping three-dimensional funnel-shaped openings of two perforated non-woven fabric layers. The first perforated non-woven fabric layer has a protruding portion and a recessed portion. The protruding portion has an internal space. An upper side of the second perforated non-woven fabric layer is adhered to a lower side of the recessed portion of the first perforated non-woven fabric layer. The overlapped three-dimensional funnel-shaped openings pass through the first perforated non-woven fabric layer and the second perforated non-woven fabric layer.

Abstract: A nonwoven comprising a pattern of thermal bonds with anti-fuzz properties according to at least three and preferably all four of the following conditions: a) the pattern comprises thermal bonds disposed in parallel rows having a pitch angle (P) of from 0.5° to 15° relative to the machine direction or the cross-machine direction; and/or b) the bonding area of all the thermal bonds ranges from 17% to 30% of the area of the nonwoven, and/or c) the pattern comprises larger bonds and smaller bonds having different individual area, and/or d) the pattern comprises elongated bonds having different major directions.

Abstract: A ramp system comprising a cradle adapted to be received in a vehicle storage area, a first ramp member defining a first top surface and comprising a proximal end hingeably connected to a distal end of the cradle, and a second ramp member defining a second top surface, the second ramp member being separate from the first ramp member. In use, the first ramp member is pivotable between a first position and a second position wherein the first ramp member is oriented towards the ground surface and the second ramp member is movable between a first position and second position wherein the second ramp member is oriented towards the ground surface. In the second positions, the first and second top surfaces of the first and second ramp members define rolling surfaces allowing a wheelchair to roll over the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A care bed includes a bed body provided with a groove and a wheelchair disposed in the groove. The wheelchair includes: a wheelchair support sequentially provided with a wheelchair back plate, a seat plate, a leg plate and a foot plate, and the seat plate is fixed to the wheelchair support; a double-traction lifting regulator disposed below a connection position between the wheelchair back plate and the seat plate; a locking member disposed on the double-traction lifting regulator; a first traction member connected to the locking member; and a second traction member connected to the locking member. When the wheelchair is combined with the bed body, the second traction member controls the locking member to be loosened; and when the wheelchair is separated from the bed body, the second traction member controls the locking member to be locked.

Abstract: A convertible chair bed device. The convertible chair bed device includes a frame assembly, having a left bar support and a right bar support, configured to support a plurality of cross bars. The frame assembly is sized to accept a padded base between the left bar support and the right bar support, and the padded base includes a first section pivotally attached to a second section. During use, an individual seated on the padded base, such as a handicapped individual, is able to grip and move any of the plurality of cross bars to independently transition between a seated position and a supine position.

Abstract: A system includes an adapter and a lock. The adapter includes a flexible collar and an attachment structure. The flexible collar is configured to at least partially surround a portion of the wheelchair such that the flexible collar engages the portion of the wheelchair and aids in preventing rotation of the adapter relative to the portion of the wheelchair. The attachment structure has a first arm attached to and extending from the flexible collar and a second arm attached to and extending from the flexible collar. The lock includes a body and a mounting platform attached thereto. The body of the lock is configured to engage the attachment structure to aid in maintaining the flexible collar in a closed position. The mounting platform has one or more coupling mechanisms attached thereto for use in removably mounting one or more accessories to the system.

Abstract: The patient bed with mattress and integrated bed pan includes a bed frame, mattress sections, and an integral bed pan. A midframe and mid mattress are removable to access to the bed pan. The frame and mattress sections may be pivoted to place the patient in a seated position. The bed pan may be located in a drawer under the midsection of the patient and may be retrieved after use by opening the drawer. A clean bed pan may be placed into an inclined bed by releasing it into a bed pan aperture and allowing it to slide through a guide track to the receiving compartment.

Abstract: A patient transfer device includes a patient support surface having a top surface adapted for positioning a patient thereon and a bottom surface defining one or more areas having a concave curvature for passage of air flow therethrough. Passage of the air flow along the one or more areas having a concave curvature provides an air bearing below at least a portion of the bottom surface. Exemplary patient transfer systems and methods of moving a patient are also provided.