Abstract: A process for manufacturing customized facemasks, includes: producing respective impressions of patient's forehead and chin, to record an anatomic structure thereof, using impression materials commonly utilized in dentistry for intraoral impressions; producing respective 3D digital images of a patient's forehead and chin through a 3d-scanning of the forehead and chin impressions; 3D printing of customized forehead and chin pads; detecting patient's side profile line from a side picture of patient's face; 3D printing of a midline rod modelled according to said profile line; and assembling the forehead and chin pads and said midline rod into a facemask featuring a facial frame providing retention to elastic bands connectable to an intraoral appliance, in the forehead pad a temperature sensor is inserted while a pressure sensor is embedded into the chin pad.

Abstract: A removable dental appliance may include an appliance body configured to at least partially surround a plurality of teeth of a patient. The appliance body defines a shell configured to receive a tooth of the plurality of teeth in an initial position and a bendable flap integrally formed with the appliance body to extend from a hinge axis of the shell. The bendable flap may be configured to apply a force to the tooth to cause movement of the tooth toward a desired position when the removable dental appliance is worn by the patient.

Abstract: Provided herein are crosslinked polymers useful in orthodontic appliances and light polymerizable liquid compositions and formulations useful for making crosslinked polymers. Also provided are methods of making an orthodontic appliance comprising a cross-linked polymer formed by a direct fabrication technique.

Abstract: Provided herein are crosslinked polymers useful in orthodontic appliances and light polymerizable liquid compositions and formulations useful for making crosslinked polymers. Also provided are methods of making an orthodontic appliance comprising a cross-linked polymer formed by a direct fabrication technique.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a drilling template (9) and a support piece (3) for positioning this drilling template (9) in relation to the bone of a jaw, wherein a digital model of the dental prosthesis is designed starting from a digital mould such that it can fit to soft tissue of the jaw. According to the invention, a provisional dental prosthesis is manufactured based on the digital model, wherein this provisional dental prosthesis is positioned on the jaw and at least one image of the jaw with the dental prosthesis (1) is generated by means of tomography, wherein a position and orientation for said at least one implant are then selected on the basis of said image.

Abstract: A dental restoration apparatus that eliminates time-consuming, labor-intensive steps conventionally needed to fabricate molds, and thereby facilitates dental restorations in a shorter time, while reducing the discomfort and embarrassment sometimes associated with provisional restorations, which includes an additive manufacturing apparatus (e.g., a 3-D printer) having a tool head (e.g., a print head) and a fixture for controlling the position of the tool head relative to the teeth of a patient, allowing fabrication of a planned dental structure directly on an existing dental structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension comprising 50-95% by weight of the total suspension (w/w) of at least one metallic material and/or ceramic material and/or polymeric material and/or solid carbon containing material; and at least 5% by weight of the total suspension of one or more fatty acids or derivatives thereof. In addition, the invention relates to uses of such suspension in 3D printing processes.

Abstract: A dental resin composite comprising a thermally cured composition of polymeric resin monomers and inorganic fillers that comprise at least 80 wt % total filler loading is provided. Mill blocks made from the dental resin composite and produced via free radical polymerization under high-temperature (approximately 160° C. to 220° C.) and high-pressure process (approximately 300 MPa to 560 MPa) exhibited enhanced mechanical strength and good esthetics suitable for use in CAD/CAM indirect restorations such as, inlays, onlays, crowns and bridges.

Abstract: A method of preparing a dental prosthesis comprises: (a) 3D printing a dental prosthesis or a component of a dental prosthesis using a polymerizable resin ink with layer-by-layer curing with light; and thereafter (b) subjecting the dental prosthesis or component thereof obtained in (a) to ionizing radiation radiation. Also disclosed is a 3D printed dental prosthesis or component thereof prepared by the inventive method; and a method of providing a patient in need thereof with the 3D printed dental prosthesis or component thereof by inserting same into the oral cavity of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing dental hygiene includes a concave support member integrally coupled to an upper end of a handle portion, and a floss attachment coupled to the concave support member between a first end and a second end of the concave support member. A hollow passage extending from a lower end of the handle portion to the second end of the concave support member is provided, which receives a water flosser tip such that water from the water flosser tip traverses and exits from an aperture shaped end of the hollow passage at the second end of the concave support member onto the floss attachment in a direction substantially parallel to the floss attachment for the apparatus to work as a water floss pick.

Abstract: The general field of the disclosure herein relates to the design of one or more health related monitoring or maintenance devices. These devices may include but are not limited to devices that monitor and/or maintain the health of users or devices that monitor and/or maintain the health of assets. The devices include oral cleaning devices for maintaining and monitoring the oral health of users, clothing for monitoring the health and fitness of users and charging pads which may monitor the health or assets being charged. Sensors may be integrated in these devices including but not limited to IMUs, thermocouples or oral cleaning devices, IMUs in clothing like shoes or wrist bands, or timers or charging sensors in magnetic surfaces which may cause one or more objects and/or other magnetic surfaces to float when a desired function is achieved.

Abstract: Multi-phase oral care compositions for whitening teeth, including hydrophilic bleaching agent particles in a hydrophobic phase with a melting point of from about 40° C. to about 80° C. The hydrophilic bleaching agent particles can include peroxide compounds and/or hydrogen peroxide adducts. The hydrophilic bleaching agent particle can have a solubility in water of at least about 20 parts, by weight of the particles, in about 100 parts, by weight, of water.

Abstract: Multi-phase oral care compositions for whitening teeth including hydrophilic bleaching agent particles in a hydrophobic phase with a cone penetration consistency value of from about 25 to about 300. The hydrophilic bleaching agent particles can include peroxide compounds and/or hydrogen peroxide adducts. The hydrophilic bleaching agent particle can have a solubility in water of at least about 20 parts, by weight of the particles, in about 100 parts, by weight, of water.

Abstract: Semisolid oral dispersions for whitening teeth including hydrogen peroxide adducts in petrolatum. The hydrogen peroxide adduct can have a solubility in water of at least about 20 parts, by weight of the particles, in about 100 parts, by weight, of water. The semisolid oral dispersion and/or the petrolatum can have a cone penetration consistency value of from about 25 to about 300.

Abstract: Semisolid oral dispersions for whitening teeth comprising a hydrophilic discontinuous phase and a hydrophobic continuous phase. The semisolid oral dispersions include a hydrophilic discontinuous phase comprising bleaching agent particles. The semisolid oral dispersions also include a hydrophobic continuous phase comprising petrolatum. The h bleaching agent particles can include peroxide compounds and/or hydrogen peroxide adducts. The bleaching agent particle can have a solubility in water of at least about 20 parts, by weight of the particles, in about 100 parts, by weight, of water.

Abstract: The straw comprises a tube (11) and a gas-permeable liquid-tight stopper (12), which stopper is disposed in the tube in the neighborhood of one end (16), which tube and which stopper are configured for the stopper to be able to slide in the tube towards the other end (17), said tube being transparent or translucent, said stopper comprising an identifier component (13) configured to emit, when it is illuminated with ultraviolet light, light of which the spectrum comprises at least one peak having a crest of predetermined wavelength in visible light, whereas when it is illuminated by visible light said identifier component does not emit said light of which the spectrum comprises said peak.

Abstract: A device for reducing light bladder leakage having: a. holding member having a resilient deformable shaped body which is sized and resilient to fit within the user's vagina and resiliently return to provide a holding force; b. removing grip attached to the holding member.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence prevention instrument for males includes: an annular part made by forming a portion of a belt-like component; a convex part for pressing the urethra attached to the inner circumference surface side of the annular part; an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the diameter of the annular part; and a pinching-prevention component having a hole for passing the belt-like component, a lower part of the pinching-prevention component is positioned between the penis and the adjustment mechanism, preventing the skin of the penis from being pinched in the adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism is located inside the hole, and both ends of the belt-like component pass through the inside of the hole and penetrate an upper part of the pinching-prevention component, the lower part of the pinching-prevention component and the convex part for pressing the urethra are at positions facing each other with the penis sandwiched in between.

Abstract: A soft breast prosthesis is provided, the prosthesis having a surface configuration advantageous for dual plane placement of the prosthesis in a breast.

Abstract: A medical device can include an elongate manipulation member, and a thrombectomy device connected to the elongate manipulation member. The thrombectomy device can have a first configuration and a second configuration, the thrombectomy device being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration. The thrombectomy device can include an arcuate marker-mounting projection attached to a portion of the thrombectomy device configured to contact a thrombus. A marker can be coupled to, and extending around, the arcuate marker-mounting projection with the marker and the arcuate marker-mounting projection contacting each other at three discrete locations. A method for engaging a thrombus can include advancing a thrombectomy device to a location radially adjacent to a thrombus in a blood vessel.

Abstract: A vascular filter device (1) has a support frame (2) and filter elements (4). The filter elements (4) extend from the support frame towards filter element ends forming an on-axis apex (5) at which they are interconnected by a holder (6). The filter elements (4) are biased such that if unconnected the filter element ends are located between the support frame and said central axis when the vascular filter device is unconstrained. The filter element unconnected positions are provided by the filter element shapes and the angles at which they extend from the support frame, and in one example this is achieved by laser cutting tubing and heat setting the material.

Abstract: Blood filter devices, systems, and methods of using the same to detect the presence of a thrombus within said filter devices. A device of the present disclosure for detecting a thrombus or other blood particulate matter of a threshold size within a vessel can comprise a filter having a head and a plurality of legs extending distally therefrom, configured to capture the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size, and at least one impedance element positioned distal to the head and configured to detect a presence of the thrombus or other blood particulate matter of at least a threshold size within the filter by obtaining data within a bloodstream when the filter is positioned within the bloodstream.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a removable ureteral stent including: an elongated stent with opposing curls at either end; a coil of memory material attached to a curl at one end of the stent that can uncoil and elongate under tensile force, and does so elongate and uncoil at a lower tensile force than that needed to induce substantial uncoiling of either curl, and wherein the coil is at least long enough such that its distal end (from the end attached to the stent) can pass through an internal urethral sphincter, when the stent is in place in the ureter; and a magnet attached to the distal end of the coil.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate methods and synthetic scaffolds for regenerating gastrointestinal tissue (e.g., esophageal tissue).

Abstract: An airway support device of the present disclosure can be attached to tracheal and/or bronchial cartilage on opposing sides of a tracheal and/or bronchial wall to pull the tracheal and/or bronchial cartilages toward each other to reconstruct and/or reshape to a normal anatomy across the membranous tracheal and/or bronchial wall and thus relieving tension across the tracheal and/or bronchial wall. The airway support device can include at least two longitudinal strips that extend longitudinally along and are attached (e.g., sutured) to the trachea and/or bronchus on opposite sides of the tracheal and/or bronchial wall. Pairs of lateral strips extending from each of the longitudinal strips can be attached to each other under tension. The tracheal and/or bronchial wall can be attached (e.g., sutured) to the lateral strips to open the airway of the trachea and/or bronchus.

Abstract: A system and method for an improved connective tissue repair option that reduces disadvantages of conventional fixation options. Biologic press fit fixation of a connective tissue unit may include in situ expansion of a pre-compressed connective tissue unit within a prepared bone tunnel of a portion of bone. An external opening accessing a cavity of the prepared bone tunnel may be smaller than that of the cavity such that expansion of the installed/compressed connective tissue unit increases lateral fixation forces exerted by the expanding/decompressing compressed connective tissue unit within the bone tunnel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens. The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens includes a first optical lens and multiple projections extending from the first optical lens. The projections are at least partially coplanar with the first optical lens. The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens also includes multiple anchors partially embedded in or configured to pass through the projections. The anchors are configured to pierce lens material forming a second optical lens of an artificial intraocular lens in order to secure the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens to the artificial intraocular lens. The anchors extend along an optical axis of the first optical lens.

Abstract: An ophthalmic assembly for implantation in an anterior chamber of an eye of a patient to provide accommodation of the vision to said patient comprises a variable-focus lens and an actuator for modifying the focal length of the variable-focus lens. The ophthalmic assembly comprises an autofocus system configured to determine a distance parameter of an object that the patient's eye is looking at; a signal processing unit arranged to convert said distance parameter into a focal length value of the variable-focus lens; and an actuator control unit configured to control the actuator as a function of the focal length value received from said signal processing unit. A method for accommodating the vision of a patient using an opthamalic assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Eye surgery methods which isolate segments of the eye capsule to which the relevant zonules are attached via a specially contoured capsulorhexis, and shrink-wrap these segments to the haptics of an AIOL to disaccommodatively actuate the latter, accommodative actuation of the AIOL being effected by an accommodative bias built into the AIOL, a tensioning ring, or both.

Abstract: Adjustable vision modification using various systems, devices, and processes are provided. Adjustable vision modification may include sensing ocular related physiological activities of a user and making adjustments in an ocular device or ocular system to change the vision of the user. Various sensors and sensor locations may be employed in embodiments to sense or otherwise obtain these physiological activities. Likewise, various ocular devices, ocular processes, and ocular systems may be employed for improving vision.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) for implantation within a capsular bag of a patient's eye comprises first and second components coupled together to define an inner fluid chamber and an outer fluid reservoir. The inner region of the AIOL provides optical power with one or more of the shaped fluid within the inner fluid chamber or the shape of the first or second components. The fluid reservoir comprises a bellows region with one or more folds of the bellows extending circumferentially around an optical axis of the eye. The bellows engages the lens capsule, and a compliant fold region between the inner and outer bellows portions allows the profile of the AIOL to deflect when the eye accommodates for near vision. Fluid transfers between the inner fluid chamber and the outer fluid reservoir to provide optical power changes when the eye accommodates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, specifically a coaptation assistance element for implantation across the valve; a system including the coaptation assistance element and anchors for implantation; a system including the coaptation assistance element and delivery catheter; and a method for transcatheter implantation of a coaptation element across a heart valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic apparatus for implantation in a native heart valve includes a main body for placement within the native annulus. The main body is compressible to a radially compressed state for delivery into the heart and is self-expandable from the compressed state to a radially expanded state for implantation. A valve structure is mounted within a lumen of the main body and preferably forms three leaflets made of pericardium. Ventricular anchors are coupled to a ventricular end portion of the main body. The ventricular anchors are adapted to be straightened for delivery to the native heart valve and are biased to spring back to a pre-formed bent shape for capturing the native heart valve leaflets between the main body and the ventricular anchors. An atrial sealing member may be provided along an atrial portion of the main body for impeding the flow of blood between the main body and the native annulus.

Abstract: An implantable valve prosthesis for preventing blood reflux from a cardiac atrium into a vein opening into the atrium, with a generally tubular stent (2), also a flexible tube (3) that can be closed by collapsing the tube (3) and which is arranged at least in a partial area of a second end section (9) of the stent (2) on the outer peripheral surface. The second end opening (11) of the flexible tube (3) is open in the pressureless state. As a result of this valve design, during a physiological flow out of the pulmonary vein in the direction of the left atrium or out of the caval vein in the direction of the right atrium, there is no rise or an only insubstantial rise in the resistance to flow.

Abstract: A low-profile prosthetic valve for treating a native valve includes a radially expandable frame having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The atrial end of the prosthetic valve forms a flared shape that engages an atrial surface of the native valve. The flare shape flares downward toward a ventricle of the native valve when initially expanded followed by inversion of the flared shape to form a tapered shape tapering toward the ventricle and flaring toward the atrium of the native valve when fully expanded. The prosthetic valve also has a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets that open and close to control fluid flow through the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A medical assembly implanting an atrial sealing skirt in the heart at an atrial sealing skirt deployment site and related methods of implantation and delivery. An anchor is endovascularly introduced into the heart and implanted to a cardiac wall with an anchor delivery system and delivery cable. A second delivery system introduces a tether which coupled to the implanted anchor and an atrial sealing skirt. The atrial sealing skirt includes a top brim which is positioned to conform to the atrial floor at the deployment site. The sealing skirt may be integrated with a valve or serve as a receptacle.

Abstract: A medical assembly and methods for endovascularly implanting a valve in the heart having a valve and an anchor assembly for positioning and restraining the valve. An anchor delivery system introduces and implants the anchor into the implantation site and a valve delivery system introduces and seals the valve at the deployment site. The present invention also relates to methods of implantation of the medical assembly and the valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve for implantation within a native mitral valve may be provided. The prosthetic valve may include an annular valve body. The prosthetic valve may also include a plurality of tissue anchors arranged about the valve body and configured to extend from connection points on the valve body. The prosthetic valve may also include at least one protective fabric covering extending over each of the connection points between each tissue anchor and the valve body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a delivery apparatus for a prosthetic heart valve. Disclosed delivery apparatuses can include a housing, a steerable shaft, a slide nut, and a threaded shaft disposed over the slide nut. The slide nut can have an external threaded surface and an internal surface comprising a slot. The threaded shaft can have an internal threaded surface engaging the external threaded surface of the slide nut. The delivery apparatus can further include an elongated nut guide extending into the slot of the nut to restrain the slide nut against rotation relative to the housing, and a pull wire having a proximal end portion extending into the housing and coupled to the slide nut, and a distal end portion coupled to a distal end portion of the steerable shaft. The threaded shaft can be rotatable relative to the housing to produce axial movement of the slide nut within the threaded shaft.

Abstract: The invention discloses a loading sheathing canal and a delivery system, wherein the loading sheathing canal is provided with a rigid interlayer and a flexible outer wall, and a plurality of cutting grooves are formed in the circumferential direction of the rigid interlayer, and cutting fractures are arranged between two ends of the cutting grooves, and the rigid interlayer can be directionally bent via the cutting grooves. A handle of the delivery system is connected to the loading sheathing canal for controlling the movement of the loading sheathing canal. The loading sheathing canal provided by the invention has sufficient axial tensile and compressive resistance and radial compressive resistance, and certain capability to pass through a bend, and cannot puncture a blood vessel due to insufficient bending performance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a delivery system for percutaneous heart valve repair, the delivery system including a steerable sheath configured to provide percutaneous access into a heart and to deliver an implant. The system may also have a steering mechanism configured to manipulate and orient the implant, a ball joint mechanism configured to connect the steerable sheath to the steering mechanism, a main knob assembly configured to advance and retract a multilumen shaft assembly, a stabilizing tool including a plurality of prongs configured to engage the implant within the heart to make an intimate contact with the heart tissue using a stabilizer and a tongue assembly, and a back assembly including: the actuation mechanism, a suture routing mechanism, a tip lock mechanism, and a back cover configured to protect all sutures being cut by mistake.

Abstract: A guidewire may be configured for insertion into a heart of a patient during a procedure such as a transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure. The guidewire may include a proximal end and a distal end portion. The distal end portion may include (i) a leading section, (ii) a loop structure at a terminal distal end of the guidewire, and (iii) a transition section extending between the leading section and the loop structure. In the absence of applied forces, the leading section is not tangential to the loop structure. With such a configuration, the guidewire may avoid contact with the ventricular septum of the heart when the loop structure is seated within the left ventricle, which may mitigate potential interference with conduction pathways in the ventricular septum, which may in turn mitigate the need for a pacemaker.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for accurately positioning a prosthetic valve such as a prosthetic heart valve at a desired position for deployment. The invention includes extendable positioning elements which provide tactile feedback to a user to confirm proper positioning of the catheter with respect to the native valve annulus. During delivery, the extendable positioning elements may lie against or near the catheter, over the prosthetic valve and expandable balloon, providing a low profile for advancing the catheter to the desired treatment location via small passages such as body lumens. Prior to valve deployment, the positioning elements are extended and brought into contact with tissue of the native annulus to confirm the proper positioning of the delivery system and prosthetic valve.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for mitral valve repair. The devices and methods implant a plurality of distal anchors at an annulus of the mitral valve (e.g., the posterior annulus) and tension artificial chordae to pull the portion of the annulus toward an opposite edge and inward into the ventricle. This can effectively reduce the size of the orifice and increase coaptation. The delivery devices can be configured to be actuated to form a distal anchor made of a pre-formed knot. The delivery devices deliver the pre-formed knot in an elongate configuration. Actuation of the delivery device causes the pre-formed knot to transition from the elongate configuration to the deployed configuration by approximating opposite ends of a suture coupled to a coiled configuration to form one or more loops. After formation of the knot, the delivery device can be withdrawn.

Abstract: A device and method for improving the function of a heart valve involves insertion of a device having a first and a second shape into the heart valve. Two contact points of the device in the first shape are separated by a distance essentially corresponding to a distance between two commissures of the heart valve and separated by an increased distance in the second shape. The device is inserted into the heart valve to establish a contact between the contact points and the commissures and transformed from the first shape to said second shape in abutment with valve tissue throughout a cycle of heart action. The device may change the shape of the heart valve by stretching it between the commissures for improving the ability of the heart valve to close.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for transcatheter delivery is disclosed including: an anchor unit configured to be permanently anchored at a cardiac valve of a patient. At least one locking unit is provided for fixation of tissue of the cardiac valve and/or fixation of at least a part of a shape of the anchor unit and/or for connection to a further unit via the at least one coupling unit. The further unit is preferably a cardiac valve replacement or repair unit and/or a driving unit such as of a cardiac assist device. The device further includes at least one coupling unit of fixed permanent length or non-reversibly adjustable length before locking the coupling unit to the fixed permanent length for connecting the anchor unit to at least one of the locking unit. The coupling unit has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is connectable to the anchor unit, and the second end portion includes the locking unit.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for transcatheter delivery is disclosed including: an anchor unit configured to be permanently anchored at a cardiac valve of a patient. At least one locking unit is provided for fixation of tissue of the cardiac valve and/or fixation of at least a part of a shape of the anchor unit and/or for connection to a further unit via the at least one coupling unit. The further unit is preferably a cardiac valve replacement or repair unit and/or a driving unit such as of a cardiac assist device. The device further includes at least one coupling unit of fixed permanent length or non-reversibly adjustable length before locking the coupling unit to the fixed permanent length for connecting the anchor unit to at least one of the locking unit. The coupling unit has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is connectable to the anchor unit, and the second end portion includes the locking unit.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an implantable device for penile construction includes an anchor plate configured to be coupled to a pelvic bone of a patient, where the anchor plate has an attachment interface configured to be coupled to a penile prosthesis after the anchor plate is coupled to the pelvic bone.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an implantable device for penile construction includes a penile implant having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion includes a shaft portion configured to be disposed in a neophallus. The proximal portion defines a first strut and a second strut, and the proximal portion is configured to be attached to a pelvis structure.

Abstract: In order to promote bone growth without damage of a growth plate to improve the stability of a procedure, provided is an implant device for promoting bone growth, the device including: a first implant bar implanted to penetrate a metaphysis corresponding to the inside of a growth plate of a long bone to be treated; a second implant bar implanted to penetrate an epiphysis of the outside of the growth plate; and a stimulation elongation means disposed close to the external surface of the long bone to be treated and installed under skin tissues surrounding the long bone to be treated, and being elongated between end portions of the implant bars to increase a gap between the implant bars to cause the growth plate to be extended.