Abstract: The present invention provides a modular prosthetic valve device having two or more device modules for percutaneous delivery unassembled at or near the valve implantation site and assembly at least in part using a self-assembly member, and a system and method of folding, delivering and assembling the device. The device modules may include a support structure and a valve module. The valve module has an unassembled, folded delivery configuration, and an unfolded, assembled (via the self-assembly member) working configuration. The valve module may be a single-piece leaflets substructure or a plurality of valve sections. The self-assembly member has a delivery configuration and may be reverted to a preset configuration for valve module assembly. The unassembled valve module may be rolled along its circumferential axis towards its height to a folded diameter equivalent to one rolled leaflet, providing a percutaneous valve device having a smaller delivery diameter than pre-assembled valve devices.

Abstract: A stented valve including a stent structure including a generally tubular body portion having a first end, a second end, an interior area, a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of vertical wires extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis around a periphery of the body portion, wherein the plurality of vertical wires includes multiple commissure wires and at least one structural wire positioned between adjacent commissure wires, and a plurality of V-shaped wire structures having a first end, a second end, and a peak between the first and second ends, wherein a first end of each V-shaped structure extends from a first vertical wire and a second end of each V-shaped structure extends from a second vertical wire that is adjacent to the first vertical wire, wherein each V-shaped structure is oriented so that its peak is facing in the same direction relative to the first and second ends of the body portion, and a valve structure including a plurality of leaflets attached to the stent structure within the

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein for use in the transvascular delivery and deployment of a prosthetic mitral valve. In some embodiments, a method includes inverting an outer frame of a prosthetic mitral valve when the valve is in a biased expanded configuration. After inverting the outer frame, the prosthetic mitral valve is inserted into a lumen of a delivery sheath such that the mitral valve is moved to a collapsed configuration. The distal end portion of the delivery sheath is inserted into a left atrium of a heart. The prosthetic mitral valve is moved distally out of the delivery sheath such that the inverted outer frame reverts and the prosthetic mitral valve assumes its biased expanded configuration. In some embodiments, actuation wires are used to assist in the reversion of the outer frame. The prosthetic mitral valve is then positioned within a mitral annulus of the heart.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve can comprise an annular frame comprising an inflow end and an outflow end and being radially collapsible and expandable between a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration, the frame defining an axial direction extending from the inflow end to the outflow end, a leaflet structure positioned within the frame and secured thereto, and an outer sealing member positioned around an outer surface of the frame, wherein the outer sealing member comprises a plurality of sealing segments, wherein each sealing segment is coupled to the frame and/or another sealing segment by a tether that pulls a portion of the sealing segment in a circumferential direction when the frame is radially expanded to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A fluid diversion device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a housing including channels configured to receive respective tubes, and a bore that extends laterally across the plurality of channels. The device can include an occlusion member disposed in the bore, where rotation of the occlusion member selectively occludes either a first subset of tubes or a second subset of tubes. The device can include an actuator that enables rotation of the occlusion member to a first position and a second position such that the first subset of tubes and the second subset of tubes are alternatively occluded in the first position or the second position for fluid communication in different directions relative to chambers of a delivery device operable to deploy and recapture the medical device.

Abstract: Delivery devices for a stented prosthetic heart valve. The delivery device includes a spindle, at least one cord, and a lateral control feature. The cord is tensioned to crimp the prosthesis to a compressed condition for delivery to a target site. Tension is lessened to allow the prosthesis to self-expand. In a tethered and expanded state in which the prosthesis has self-expanded and is connected to the spindle by the cord, the lateral control feature directs the spindle to a prescribed location relative to the prosthesis appropriate for a functional evaluation of the prosthesis. In some embodiments, the spindle is directed to a center of the prosthesis; in other embodiments, the spindle is held at a commissure of the prosthesis. The lateral control features of the present disclosure assume numerous forms.

Abstract: Valve holders and introducers for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to an implant site are in various embodiments configured to facilitate insertion of prosthetic valves through small incisions or access sites on a patient's body. The valve holders can also be configured to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of suture looping or other damage to the prosthetic valve during implantation. A valve holder according to embodiments of the invention includes features that reduce or eliminate mistakes during implantation of the prosthetic valves, such as a removable activator dial and a removable handle that prevent implantation of the valve prior to proper deployment or adjustment of the holder. An introducer is provided which can facilitate passing of a prosthetic valve between adjacent ribs of a patient. Valve holders and introducers according to the various embodiments can be used in minimally invasive procedures, such as thoracotomy procedures.

Abstract: Docking devices for docking a prosthetic valve at a native valve of a heart can include a coiled docking anchor and a retrieval suture. The docking device and retrieval suture can be configured for improved retention and retrieval of the docking device after deployment. The docking devices can have an end portion with a central axis. The retrieval suture can be connected to the end portion such that a line of force applied by applying tension to the retrieval suture is substantially aligned with the central axis.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve delivery device includes a handle and a delivery catheter. The delivery catheter includes a central elongate member extending from the handle and a proximal sheath configured to slide over and relative to the central elongate member. The proximal sheath is connected to a hollow helical strand, and the hollow helical strand is configured to rotate to retract the proximal sheath and expose at least a portion of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a delivery system which can be used to recapture and/or reposition a replacement valve, such as a replacement mitral valve, after initial deployment of the valve. Embodiments of the disclosure can use the crimping/tensioning of sutures in order to re-crimp the replacement valve after release, though longitudinal or rotational forces.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for treating functional mitral regurgitation and methods of use thereof. The devices translocate a subject's mitral valve in an apical direction. The devices thereby treat mitral regurgitation while preserving a subject's original mitral valve and chordae tendinae.

Abstract: Methods and devices for transvascular prosthetic chordae tendinea implantation are disclosed. A catheter is advanced into the left atrium, through the mitral valve, and into the left ventricle. A ventricular anchor is deployed from the catheter and into a wall of the left ventricle, leaving a ventricular suture attached to the ventricular anchor and extending proximally through the catheter. A leaflet anchor is deployed to secure a mitral valve leaflet to a leaflet suture, with the leaflet suture extending proximally through the catheter. The leaflet suture is secured to the ventricular suture to limit a range of travel of the leaflet in the direction of the left atrium. Also disclosed is an assembled in situ mitral valve leaflet restraint, having a neo papillary muscle and a neo chordae tendinea.

Abstract: A dynamic, adjustable annuloplasty ring sizer can include an adjustable ring replica, which can be adjusted through a range of sizes corresponding to available prosthetic annuloplasty repair ring sizes. Actuation of an adjustment trigger on a handle portion of the ring sizer can displace tension wires that extend through a malleable shaft and through a plurality of articulating segments that form the ring replica. Displacement of the tension wires causes flexion of the joints between adjacent articulating segments, thereby reducing the overall size of the ring replica. Releasing the tension wires can allow an elastic extension wire to act on the ring replica, enlarging the ring replica to its maximum, at-rest size. In this manner, the appropriate size of annuloplasty ring prosthesis can be determined with a single device, without requiring a plurality of static ring sizers that require individual insertion and placement for the conventional trial-and-error sizing methods.

Abstract: An inflatable penile prosthetic system includes a tubing assembly insertable to a penile prosthesis and a pump adapted move liquid out of a reservoir and into the penile prosthesis.

Abstract: Systems and methods and augments for supporting an acetabular shell at a hip bone. An example system of modular augments can include first and second augments, each having a body extending from a respective first end portion to a respective second end portion. The first augment second end portion can include a first coupling element and the second augment first end portion can include a second coupling element. Together the first and second coupling elements can form a coupling mechanism to join the first and second augments together. In some examples, the coupling mechanism can include a bulbous tip portion and a recess to receive and retain the bulbous tip portion.

Abstract: A tissue engineering meniscal composite scaffold (100) and a preparation method thereof. The meniscal composite scaffold (100) includes: a scaffold (110), wherein the scaffold (110) is C-shaped and has a shape which is consistent with the original shape of the meniscus to be regenerated, the scaffold (110) comprises a plurality of first degradable polymer fibers (111) extending along the circumferential direction of the scaffold (110) and a plurality of second degradable polymer fibers (112) extending along the radial direction of the scaffold (110), and the first degradable polymer fibers (111) form a multilayer intersection with the second degradable polymer fibers (112) and thereby generating a frame structure having a plurality of first apertures; and a matrix material (120) composited inside the plurality of first apertures of the scaffold (110) to form a meniscal composite scaffold (100) having a plurality of second apertures.

Abstract: There are disclosed compositions for achieving reverse phase characteristics, methods of preparation thereof, and the use of amniotic tissue for cartilage repair. In an embodiment, a biocompatible articular tissue repair composition may have a therapeutic material and a carrier configured for achieving reverse phase characteristics, and methods for using the composition. In various embodiments, the therapeutic material may be amniotic tissue. In various embodiments, the carrier may be a poloxamer such as poloxamer 407. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tibial insert includes an articular surface and a bottom surface opposite the articular surface. The bottom surface includes one or more bone-conserving features. In some embodiments, the bottom surface may be curved to match a curvature of the articular surface such that a thickness of the tibial insert is relatively constant. In other embodiments, the bottom surface may be relatively planar but include a protrusion extending from a planar base surface to maintain a minimum thickness of the tibial insert. The described features may be incorporated in a uni-compartmental tibial prosthesis, a bi-compartmental tibial prosthesis, or a total knee prosthesis.

Abstract: Interbody cages for spinal stabilization having a frame that surrounds a central compartment suitable for retaining biological material, such as bone graft material. The central compartment acts as a spill-free bone and biologic compartment that allows a surgeon to introduce the interbody cage into the body in an effective manner without spilling the biological material. Methods for introducing the interbody cages are disclosed.

Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus including an intervertebral cage for maintaining disc height, and a method of inserting the same is provided. The intervertebral cage includes a first internal screw guide and a second internal screw guide, a first screw member and a second screw member, and a central screw locking lever coupled to the intervertebral cage, wherein the central screw locking lever prevents the first screw member and the second screw from pulling-out of the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide. The central screw locking lever includes a rotatable handle and stem portion, or a screw locking horizontal bracket. A pliers device for inserting and removing the bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple, and a staple gun for a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple also are provided.

Abstract: An implant for performing interbody fusion within a human spine, inserters for such an implant, and associated methodology. The implant is preferably formed in situ from at least two separate but lockable members (a base member and a closure member). The base member may be implanted into an interbody space first, after which the end plates may be finally prepared and the base member packed with fusion promoting substances before engaging and locking the closure member. The closure member provides structural support for the adjacent vertebral bodies (along with the base member) and may be selected after implantation of the base member having a specific length, width, height, taper, etc. . . . to ensure an optimal sizing of the implant for desired restoration of disc height, coronal taper, sagittal taper, etc. . . . .

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for implantation in an intervertebral space between vertebrae. The implant includes a body extending from an upper surface to a lower surface. The body has a front end, a rear end and a pair of spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the front and rear walls such that an internal chamber is defined within the front and rear ends and the first and second walls. The body defines an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter extending about the internal chamber. At least one of the side walls is defined by an integral porous structure.

Abstract: Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.

Abstract: Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.

Abstract: Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.

Abstract: Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.

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

Abstract: A spine implant for an ALIF procedure includes anchoring members being either a bone screw or flexible barb, each having a head on one end of a shaft, and a tip on another end of the shaft. The spine implant includes a porous cage having a front, rear, central cavity, and three angled bores in the front that extend into the central cavity configured to receive one of the plurality of anchoring members such that the tip of the anchoring member extends from one or another side of the cavity with its head retained in the front. The spine implant further includes two retention members configured for insertion into the front such that a portion of the two retention members are positioned over the heads of two, adjacent anchoring members to inhibit bone anchor backout via cam action between the retention member and the heads of the anchoring members.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: An acetabular cup guide can include a distal end (11) shaped to allow removable connection to a surgical instrument (16), a proximal end including one or more contact surfaces (4, 5) shaped to conform to an acetabulum, and a central proximal-distal axis extending through the acetabular cup guide. At least one of the one or more contact surfaces can be configured such that it is deflectable towards the central proximal-distal axis in order to reduce an axial cross-section of the acetabular cup guide.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic disc placement instrument is provided for implantation of an intervertebral prosthetic disc. The placement instrument shaft has a distal end and a proximal end and an instrument handle on the proximal end having an activation mechanism. A pair of grasping jaws on the distal end of the instrument shaft are configured to move with respect to one another to grasp a multipart prosthetic disc in a non-articulating configuration. The grasping jaws are movable from a tightened to a released position by the activation mechanism. A prosthetic disc ejector on the distal end of the instrument shaft moves distally with respect to the pair of grasping jaws when the grasping jaws are in the released position and the ejector is configured to contact the prosthetic disc to fully disengage the prosthetic disc from the placement instrument.

Abstract: A spinal implant insertion tool includes a handle portion formed by the proximal ends of a first prong and second prong and an attachment portion formed by the distal ends of the first prong and the second prong. The spinal implant insertion tool also includes a hinged portion positioned between the handle portion and the attachment portion where the first and second prongs are coupled by a hinge. A first attachment section includes first connectors for holding a spinal plate. A second attachment portion includes second connectors for holding a spinal cage. The first prong includes an oblique portion so that it is nonlinear, while the second prong is linear, so that the hinge is offset from the spinal cage and spinal plate held by the spinal implant insertion tool.

Abstract: Hip arthroplasty trial systems and associated medical devices, methods, and kits are described that can be utilized in situ to complete a femoral head trial. An example embodiment of a hip arthroplasty trial system includes a medical device and a femoral stem. The medical device has a head member, a spacer, a shaft, and a locking member. The spacer is disposed within the head member and is moveable from a first position to a second position. The shaft is disposed within the head member and contacts the femoral stem. The shaft is moveable from a first position to a second position. Movement of the shaft from the first position to the second position moves the spacer from its first position to its second position. The locking member is disposed within the head member and releasably attaches the shaft to the head member.

Abstract: Methods of implanting a prosthesis to repair a joint include displacing a first bone from the joint formed by an intersection between the first bone and a second bone. An end portion of the first bone is resected to define a resected end. A concavity is formed into the resected end using a shaping tool. The bone is compacted to form a support layer lining the concavity. The prosthesis is implanted in the concavity against the support layer without attaching the prosthesis to the support layer. The joint is reformed with the prosthesis such that the prosthesis remains unattached to the support layer and the first and second bones articulate about the prosthesis.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument system includes a tibial base trial and a tibial insert trial. An insert adaptor is sized to be positioned in an aperture defined in the tibial insert trial. The insert adaptor includes a base sized to be positioned over a post of the tibial base trial and a locking tab positioned in the base and configured to engage the post of the tibial base trial.

Abstract: The disclosure provides example apparatus and methods for automatically adjusting a socket size of a prosthesis. The apparatus includes (a) the prosthesis having a socket configured to receive a limb, (b) a first opening in a socket wall, (c) a first panel aligned with the first opening, (d) a first actuator coupled to the first panel and to the prosthesis, the first actuator is configured to advance and retract the first panel, (e) a first sensor coupled to the socket wall and configured to obtain limb-to-socket gap data, and (f) a processor coupled to the first actuator and the first sensor, wherein the processor is configured (i) to receive the limb-to-socket gap data, (ii) to determine a socket-size adjustment based on the limb-to-socket gap data and a predetermined socket-fit value, (iii) to generate and (iv) to send a command with the socket-size adjustment to the first actuator.

Abstract: A prosthesis device can include a socket or a kit for forming a socket having a lanyard suspension system. In one example, the lanyard suspension system includes a tightening device having a housing, and tightening the lanyard gathers a tensioning line portion of the lanyard into an interior of the housing.

Abstract: An absorbable metal stent includes an absorbable metal substrate; the absorbable metal substrate includes a plurality of wave-shaped annular structures and a plurality of axial connecting portions, two ends of each axial connecting portion being connected to two adjacent wave-shaped annular structures, respectively, so as to axially connect the plurality of wave-shaped annular structures; a corrosion-promoting coating is formed on each axial connecting portion, the corrosion-promoting coating containing a corrosion-promoting substance, and the corrosion-promoting substance being selected from at least one of a degradable polymer and a degradable polymer antioxidant; the corrosion-promoting coatings cause the corrosion of the axial connecting portions to occur earlier than the corrosion of the plurality of wave-shaped annular structures. The absorbable metal stent has good bending performance and may prevent the problems of secondary hyperplasia after implantation and stenosis caused thereby.

Abstract: A stent graft device that includes a frame, a cover material covering the frame, and an anchoring member having an adjustable geometry is provided. The anchoring member may be incorporated as part of the frame or coupled thereto. The anchoring member may be formed of a material having a tensile strength such that it can be bent, straightened, or otherwise changed in shape. Tissue growth over and/or around the anchoring member anchors the stent graft device within a lumen. During removal of the stent graft device, the geometry of the anchoring member changes to allow the anchoring member to be removed from the tissue growth along a removal path with minimal trauma. The design and/or shape of the anchoring member is not particularly limited so long as the anchoring member has an adjustable geometry that permits tissue overgrowth and subsequent removal from the tissue overgrowth with minimal trauma.

Abstract: A line pull assembly 10 for a prosthetic delivery device is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a rail assembly 250 defining a rail cavity 290 and having a longitudinal axis 251 and a hand-gripable slider assembly 1000. The slider is mounted to the rail assembly for sliding movement along it. The slider has a body 1100 slidably mounted to the rail assembly, the body having an inner body portion 1150 within the rail cavity. A line receiver 1170 for receiving a pullable line 1032 sits within the inner body portion. A release ring 1600 is mounted around the rail assembly and is operably connected to the inner body portion. The slider is locked against sliding movement until the release ring is moved the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the inner body portion is slideably moveable by sliding movement of the release ring to transfer a pulling force through the line receiver.

Abstract: An implant delivery device includes a holder, a guide rod, and a sliding handle. One end of the guide rod is connected to the holder, and the other end of the guide rod penetrates the sliding handle. Multiple first engagement structures axially spaced apart from each other are disposed on an outer surface of the guide rod. The delivery device also includes a position locking device disposed in the sliding handle. The position locking device includes a tooth block) and an elastic component. The tooth block is sleeved on the guide rod and is provided with a second engagement structure. The elastic component and the tooth block cooperate to allow the first engagement structures and the second engagement structure to engage with each other allowing an implant to be in a release-locked state. These and other elements allow for the implant to be gradually released or release-locked.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of crimping a prosthetic heart valve using a compact crimping mechanism. The crimping mechanism includes a plurality of jaws configured for coordinated inward movement toward a crimping axis to reduce the size of a crimping iris around a stented valve. A rotating cam wheel acts on the jaws and displaces them inward. A number of Cartesian guide elements cooperate with the jaws to distribute forces within the crimping mechanism. The guide elements are located between the crimping jaws and an outer housing and are constrained by the outer housing for movement along lines that are tangential to a circle centered on the crimping axis. The guide elements engage at least some of the crimping jaws while the rest are in meshing engagement so as to move in synch. An actuation mechanism includes a lead screw, carriage assembly and a linkage to rotate the cam wheel with significant torque.

Abstract: A method for implanting a prosthesis centrally within a curved lumen includes loading a prosthesis into a delivery sheath, advancing the sheath in a patient towards the curved lumen to place at least the proximal end of the prosthesis within the curved lumen, and centering the proximal end of the prosthesis and/or the distal end of the sheath within the curved lumen. In a first advancing step, the outer catheter containing the inner sheath is advanced together towards the curved lumen to a location proximal of the curved lumen and, in a second advancing step, the inner sheath containing the prosthesis is advanced into the curved lumen to place at least the proximal end within the curved lumen while the outer catheter substantially remains at the location. After centering, the proximal end of the prosthesis is deployed centered within the curved lumen.

Abstract: The present application provides a connecting and releasing structure for a balloon system, a balloon system comprising the connecting and releasing structure, and a method for fabricating the same. The connecting and releasing structure is used for connection and release of a catheter and a balloon. The connecting and releasing structure comprises a self-sealing valve positioned on the balloon. The self-sealing valve comprises a catheter connecting port. The catheter passes through the catheter connecting port and is sealedly connected to the self-sealing valve. The self-sealing valve is completely or partially bonded to the inner wall of the balloon. When the catheter is removed after delivery of a filler, the self-sealing valve is not pulled out of the balloon, and thus leakage of the filler can be prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hard frame (100) for a joint-bridging extremity joint orthosis, containing two mutually opposed longitudinally extending joint splints (110, 120), the proximal joint arms (113, 123) thereof being connected to one another via a transverse proximal bridge arch (310) and forming a proximal extremity holder (300), and the distal joint arms (112, 122) of which being connected to one another via a transverse distal bridge arch (210) and forming a distal extremity holder (200). According to the invention, at least one of the bridge arches (210) is mounted on joint arm ends (114, 124) of the associated joint arms (112, 122) of the joint splints (110, 120) connecting the bridge arch (210), noreover is mounted pivotably about at least one pivot axis (222) at a joint (220).

Abstract: A support shell assembly (1) comprises a calf part (2), a foot part (3), and a locking device (5) with a guide rail (52) and with a locking element (51). The locking element (51) is displaceable along the guide rail (52) for setting a bending angle (?) between calf part (2) and foot part (3). The locking device (5) also comprises a spring element (53) which applies a spring force to the locking element (51) in such a way that displacement along the guide rail (52) is made easier or more difficult. An inlay (7) for a support shell assembly comprises a first chamber (71) and a second chamber (72). By means of a first and second valve device (73, 74), a fluid can be filled into the first chamber or discharged from the second chamber to stiffen the inlay (7) in a respective area.

Abstract: A method for producing an immobilisation element for immobilising a body part of a patient on a supporting surface, wherein the immobilisation element includes a sheet of thermoplastic material for receiving the body part to be immobilised, and at least one profile for fixing the immobilisation element to the supporting surface, wherein the profile includes a first fixing means for fixing the profile to the sheet, wherein the fixing means includes a groove that receives the sheet so that the first and the second contact surfaces lie along the sheet, and wherein at least one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface is provided with at least one protrusion that penetrates the sheet in order to anchor the sheet.

Abstract: The present disclosure is for the patients who are not capable of going to the bathroom and not able to urinate physically, and being confined to bed; it relates to a waste disposal unit as functional underpants enabling the disposal of solid-liquid wastes of said patients in an autoregulatory manner, providing a full-hygienic cleaning for the person by means of adhering and contacting methods, and separately designed for males and females

Abstract: A patch can include a wearable component configured to allow the patch to be worn on a user, and a sensor component implemented relative to the wearable component. The sensor component can include a transducer configured to generate an electrical signal based on a snoring sound. In some embodiments, such a patch can be utilized in a system for reducing snoring of the user. The system can include a patch generating a first signal indicative of a snoring sound, and a control unit configured to generate a second signal based on the first signal, with the second signal being configured to allow actuation of a stimulus that reduces snoring activity associated with the snoring sound. The system can further include a sleep adjustment device in communication with the control unit and configured to generate the stimulus based on the second signal.

Abstract: A method of producing a retention piece having a therapeutic package configured to provide a desired therapeutic profile for the recipient, the method including: obtaining data descriptive of mandibular and maxillary arches of the recipient; specifying an appropriate guidance package based on the desired therapeutic profile for the recipient; modeling a virtual representation of at least one retention piece configured to fit at least one of the mandibular and maxillary arches; and generating data that can be used by a computer aided machining (CAM) process to create at least one physical retention piece comprising the specified therapeutic package configured to provide the desired therapeutic profile.