Abstract: A spinal implant for placement between vertebral bodies includes a first member for engaging one of the vertebral bodies, a second member for engaging an opposing one of the vertebral bodies, and at least one extendable support element for inducing movement of the entire first member away from the second member. The first member is connected to the second member such that the first member moves away from the second member by a larger distance at a first end of the implant than at a second end of the implant. A connecting member may connect the first and second members together at the second end of the implant. The connecting member may include one or more rotatable linkages, or the connecting member may be an extension of one of the first and second members slidably received within a track defined within the other of the first and second members.

Abstract: An intervertebral cage with an outer frame, an open inner core region and a porosity gradient within the outer frame is provided. The outer frame includes a posterior wall, an anterior wall, a pair of side walls extending between the posterior wall and the anterior wall and the porosity gradient may comprise at least one of: a decreasing average pore diameter in a direction from an outer surface to an inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls; an increasing average pore diameter in a direction from an outer surface to an inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls; a decreasing average pore diameter in a direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of at least one of the side walls; and an increasing average pore diameter in a direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of at least one of the side walls.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant includes a distal projection extending from only one side of the implant, ending in an anterior tip, the anterior portion and anterior tip defining an elongated distal end hook, which is wider than the proximal end. The distal end hook rotates around the spinal cord, aligning the implant with a desired pathway, then inserts into place in the disc space between the vertebrae. The elongated widened distal end hook provides a TLIF approach, distributes loads, provides anterior rim engagement, and creates lordosis.

Abstract: A method of navigating a cutting instrument, via a computer system, the method comprising: (a) mounting a patient-spe-cific anatomical mapper (PAM) to a human in a single known location and orientation, where the PAM includes a surface precisely and correctly mating with a human surface correctly in only a single location and orientation; (b) mounting a reference inertial measurement unit (IMU) to the human; (c) operatively coupling a guide to the PAM, where the guide includes an instrument inertial measurement unit (IMU) and at least one of a cutting slot and a pin orifice; (d) outputting data from the reference IMU and the instrument IMU indicative of changes in position and orientation of the guide with respect to the human; (e) repositioning the guide with respect to the human to a position and an orientation consistent with a plan for carrying out at least one of a cut and pin placement; and, (f) visually displaying feedback concerning the position and orientation of the guide with respect to the human u

Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes a pair of side-specific orthopaedic surgical instrument assemblies. The right-limb side-specific instrument assembly is kitted so as to be devoid of left-limb side-specific instruments and vice versa.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a reversible bone plate template and a method for using the same to size an implant. The bone plate template may include first and second portions. The second portion may be wider than the first portion and asymmetrical about a longitudinal axis. A section between the first and second portions may allow the second portion to be moved between first and second positions such that either a first or a second surface may be a bone contacting surface. A method for sizing an implant with a bone plate template may include determining whether a first or second surface is to be placed on bone, moving a portion of the bone plate template, placing it on bone and selecting an implant based upon the bone plate template.

Abstract: Implant assemblies, systems, kits, and methods for replacing a knee joint may include a universal femoral trial component for preparing and trialing a femoral bone of a patient to receive a plurality of different femoral implant types. The universal femoral trial component may be configured to receive any of a plurality of femoral bone preparation attachments and any of a plurality of femoral trial attachments in order to facilitate the preparation and trialing of the femoral bone to receive the plurality of different femoral implant types.

Abstract: An expandable trial can include an inferior portion, a superior portion, and a middle expanding portion as well as load cells for monitoring the load on the trial. The trial may also include recesses on its lateral sides to provide spacing to accommodate a disc removal tool so tissue can be cleared monitoring load. In addition, neural foramen spacing can be monitoring to provide information about how much neural release has been achieved as the disc is cleaned and the spine is positioned and repositioned.

Abstract: An upper extremity prosthesis may include a prosthetic hand including a prosthetic thumb having a base and a tip, and a prosthetic index finger having a base and a tip. Actuators may be coupled to the upper extremity prosthesis. Prosthetic flexion tendons may have first ends operably coupled to the actuators and second ends coupled to the tips of the thumb and the index finger. Biasing systems may be operably coupled to the prosthetic thumb and the index finger. Upon actuation of the actuators in a first direction, the prosthetic flexion tendons cause the thumb and index finger to flex. Upon actuation of the linear actuators in a second direction opposite the first direction, the biasing systems cause the thumb and index finger to extend.

Abstract: A powered prosthetic thigh can have a proximal portion configured to couple to a prosthetic hip socket and can have a distal portion attached to the proximal portion. The distal portion can have a distal connector configured to couple to a prosthetic knee. The powered prosthetic thigh can also have a computer controlled actuator configured to rotate the prosthetic thigh relative to the prosthetic hip socket.

Abstract: An adjustable socket system includes first and second shell components and first and second longitudinal supports connected to a base. The socket system is movable between an open configuration to loosen the fit of the socket system, and a closed configuration to secure the fit of the socket system on residual limb received therein. A tightening system includes a tensioning unit having a handle defining a moment arm rotatable about a rotation axis, and a tensioning element operatively coupled to the handle via a movable connection point located and protected between the first shell component and the first support and to the shell components via a control point. Rotation of the handle displaces the movable connection point and the tensioning element relative to the control point to move the socket system to the closed configuration.

Abstract: A crimper device can facilitate sheathing of a stent frame for vascular delivery. The device can include first and second components that rotate relative to each other to drive radial movement of one or more compression members of the device. The one or more compression members can direct and balance a compressive force within an aperture of the device. In use, the stent frame can be positioned within the aperture and be compacted by actuation of the compression members.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a shaft extending from a proximal end of the system into a delivery tip at a distal end. The shaft includes a coil and a stent bed. A stent is loaded onto the stent bed and has a first portion at its distal end having a greater flexibility than a second portion at its proximal end. Sheathing is moveable over the stent bed between pre-deployed and deployed positions. The sheathing includes a flexible section at the sheathing distal end, a semi-flexible section adjacent the flexible section, and a stiff section adjacent the semi-flexible section. The delivery tip is more flexible than the combination of the stent bed, the first portion of the stent, and the flexible section of the sheathing, which is more flexible than the combination of the stent bed, the second portion the stent, and the flexible section of the sheathing.

Abstract: A composite material 10 for forming custom fitted orthopedic and other products. The composite material is easily formable when heated to temperatures of about two hundred degrees Fahrenheit for a time of at least six to eight minutes and then is rigid at temperatures of about one hundred thirty degrees. The composite material can be sewn and formed in complex shapes when initially heated to about two hundred degrees. Closure attachments 60 can be secured to the composite material as needed on site rather than at the manufacturing facility. The composite material can be custom fitted to a patient in situ.

Abstract: A device for treating carpal tunnel syndrome of a person's hand, which has a palmar aspect, with thenar and hypothenar regions, and a dorsal aspect opposite the palmar aspect. The cuff has a C-shaped profile in cross section, wherein two ends of the C-shaped profile of the cuff form the cuff opening. The cuff is formed from two or more cuff parts, wherein these cuff parts have a C-shaped profile in cross section and are connected to each other by means of a connection element to form the cuff. The cuff parts are preferably connected to each other, by means of the connection element, in a movable and/or pivotable and also releasable manner, such that the width of the cuff opening can be individually adapted for each patient. This results in simple, efficient and safe treatment and handling of the cuff according to the invention or of the device.

Abstract: An exemplary method treating an erectile dysfunction condition in a patient includes 1) generating, by an electroacupuncture device implanted beneath a skin surface of the patient, stimulation sessions at a duty cycle that is less than 0.05, and 2) applying, by the electroacupuncture device in accordance with the duty cycle, the stimulation sessions to a target tissue location within the patient by way of an electrode array located within the patient at an acupoint corresponding to the target tissue location.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient by implanting a system comprising an infusion device for injecting a substance, at least one reservoir comprising at least one compartment which accommodates and preserves the substance to be injected, and an active cooling device adapted to cool the reservoir and thereby keep the substance within said at least one compartment of the reservoir at a temperature below 37° C. The method comprises the steps of: cutting the skin, dissecting free at least one area within the patient's body, placing the infusion device and the at least one reservoir inside the patient's body along with the cooling device, such that the at least one reservoir is in fluid connection with the infusion device to supply to the infusion device the substance to be injected into the patient's body, and closing at least the skin after implantation of at least parts of the system.

Abstract: Devices and methods for warming or cooling blood flowing through the vasculature of a human or animal subject so as to alter or control the temperature of all or part of the subject's body. Heat exchangers are positioned within the subject's vasculature and heated or cooled heat exchange fluid is circulated through the heat exchanger. For certain therapeutic applications, the heat exchanger and associated elements of the system have sufficient power to lower the subject's body temperature by at least 3 degrees C. in less than 30 minutes.

Abstract: A catheter is provided comprising a flexible heat transfer element provided on an outer surface of the catheter, a conduit arranged to supply an inflation fluid for inflating the flexible heat transfer element so as to form an inflated balloon, a guide wire lumen for receiving a guide wire, and an elongate cooling element arranged to cool said inflation fluid for inflating the balloon. Said cooling element and said guide wire lumen are arranged inside the flexible heat transfer element such that, when inflated the cooling element is substantially central within the balloon and said guide wire lumen is parallel to and radially offset from the cooling element.

Abstract: A primary packaging for medical preparations includes a base body having a plastic material. The base body has at least one wall including an outer surface and at least one inner surface. The outer surface of the primary packaging is provided with a gas tight coating.

Abstract: Cataract surgery is in recent years more and more augmented and supported by the application of laser cuts in the eye tissue. Such laser systems are separate units from the phacoemulsification system units that are usually used for cataract extraction. The laser systems require the patient to be positioned under the laser unit and then being moved under the surgical microscope next to the phacoemulsification unit. The here described invention relates to systems combining several aspects of the laser system and the phacoemulsification system. In particular, this invention relates to combining at least some parts of the control system and the housing for both systems and thereby minimizing and optimizing setup time, operating room footprint, patient flow and cost. Furthermore the here disclosed invention relates to integrating the laser system under the surgical microscope and thereby significantly reducing the surgery setup and complexity.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system includes a console connected to a hand piece that has an ultrasonically vibrated cutting tip. The console generates an ultrasonic electrical signal for the cutting tip, provides irrigation fluid and is the source of aspiration force. The console also has a pressure sensor. The control system has automatic operation such that the aspiration force lowers when a first preset pressure limit is reached, and the aspiration force and ultrasonic vibration are turned off at a second preset pressure limit higher than the first. The control system also lowers the aspiration force initially when a change in pressure per unit of time exceeds a preset limit and then increases the aspiration flow if the pressure level drops below the limit.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using an intraocular shunt deployment device to deploy an intraocular shunt from the device and into an eye.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for modifying an intraocular pressure of a patient's one or both eyes are disclosed. The assemblies and methods can be used to treat, inhibit, or prevent ocular conditions such as glaucoma, high intraocular pressure, optic disc edema, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, zero-gravity induced papilledema, and other optic pressure related conditions. An assembly can include a goggle including at least one cavity, a pump in fluid communication with the at least one cavity, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism can be operatively coupled to the pump and can maintain a target pressure or target pressure range in the at least one cavity, which, when the assembly is worn by a patient, is the area between a patient's eye(s) and wall surfaces of the goggle. Controlling the pressure over the outer surfaces of the patient's eye(s) can drive a desired change in the intraocular pressure of the eye(s).

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides techniques for inducing collagen cross-linking in human tissue, such as cartilage or cornea, without using a photosensitizer (e.g., riboflavin), by inducing ionization of the water contained in the tissue to produce free radicals that induce chemical cross-linking in the human tissue. In an embodiment, a femtosecond laser operates at sufficiently low laser pulse energy to avoid optical breakdown of tissue. In an embodiment, the femtosecond laser operates in the infrared frequency range.

Abstract: A sound attenuation system can include a first end that can include a shaft and a flange, the flange can be coupled to the shaft, and a second end that can include a filter stem and a cap. The filter stem can have a hole. The cap can have a first position in which the cap occludes the hole and can have a second position in which the cap is clear of the hole.

Abstract: An in-ear noise dosimeter in the form of an earplug which senses sound in the ear canal using an eartip which has a sound delivery channel that couples sound at the end closest to the eardrum to an earplug microphone. The earplug can communicate wirelessly with a remote data collection and processing system. A dock unit for storing the earplugs when not worn can compensate for differences in unoccluded-ear versus occluded-ear responses by an acoustic compensator. An electronic compensation filter can be modified by a proximity switch in the earplug which changes state when the earplug is worn in the ear versus stored in a dock unit. The dosimeter can also have a temperature sensor for sensing human body temperature and remotely-located wireless LEDs used to alert the user of high noise dosage. Data can also be downloaded from the earplug using a reader unit.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) foam having a soft open-cell inner layer and a washable closed-cell outer layer which surrounds and substantially seals the inner layer, and which may be used alone or in combination with other components to produce useful articles. The TPE foam includes a base resin which is a styrenic block copolymer, and a foaming agent. A process of forming and molding the TPE foam includes using a shutoff nozzle to prevent the foaming agent from activating before reaching the mold cavity, using an oversized gate to minimize shear heat, and using oversized vents. An earplug may be constructed by molding the TPE foam over a core or body formed from a material which is denser than the TPE foam. A first earplug design may employ a constrained layer damping effect, while a second earplug design may employ an adjustable sound attenuation effect.

Abstract: A dressing for treating a tissue site may include a base layer, a sealing member, a first and a second wicking layer, and an absorbent layer. The base layer may have a periphery surrounding a central portion and a plurality of apertures disposed through the periphery and the central portion. At least one of the apertures in the periphery may be positioned at an edge of the periphery, and may have an interior exposed at the edge. The sealing member and the base layer may define an enclosure. The first and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure with the absorbent layer positioned between the first and the second wicking layer. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

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: Dressings for tissue treatment with negative pressure and methods of assembling the dressings for tissue treatment with negative pressure are disclosed. A method of assembling a dressing, which may comprise at least three layers assembled in a stacked relationship, may comprise providing an assembly station having at least one retaining pin, placing a first layer on the assembly station, placing a second layer on the assembly station, and bonding the second layer to the first layer. The first layer may comprise a plurality of apertures, at least some of which may be engaged by the retaining pins, and the second layer may comprise fluid restrictions and alignment areas for engaging with the retaining pins so that the fluid restrictions may be aligned with the apertures of the third layer.

Abstract: A medical dressing that is highly flexible and conformable over skin, while maintaining strong adhesive securement to skin over extended periods of time. The dressing comprises a backing layer, support material, and a plurality of specifically placed slits in the support material, which allow for stretching and recovery of the backing layer.

Abstract: A wound dressing assembly includes a wound cover and a carrier. The wound cover has a length and width substantially greater than a height (or thickness), a first major surface, and a second major surface, opposite the first. The first major surface has disposed thereon a wound cover pressure sensitive adhesive comprising a colloidal absorbent, and it is arranged and configured to adhere to mammalian skin during use. The carrier has a length and width substantially greater than a height (or thickness), a first major surface, and a second major surface, opposite the first. The first major surface of the carrier is disposed in facing relation and is removably attached to the second major surface of the wound cover, and it has disposed thereon at least one pressure sensitive adhesive. After application of the wound cover to skin for use, the carrier is removable from the wound cover to leave the wound cover adhered to the skin.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles having color effects and materials thereof are disclosed. Disposable absorbent articles include a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a layer between the absorbent core and the topsheet. The topsheet has a generally planar first surface having a plurality of out-of-plane features and a first color. The layer has a second color. And, the plurality of out-of-plane features have a feature color different than the first color and the second color.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a tampon (1) having at least one absorbent body made from an absorbent material (6), the tampon (1) having a proximal end (2) and a distal end (3) and a middle part extending between the distal end and the proximal end, as well as an extraction means (5) connected to the absorbent body and situated at the distal end (3), and the tampon has a covering made from a nonwoven material (4), which, with the exception of a pass-through opening (13) for the extraction means (5), completely covers at least the distal end (3), by which the escaping of fibers at the distal end (3) is prevented, and the covering additionally forming a protection against the fluid leakage.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a disposable hygiene article comprising an absorbent core which has first and second areas. The second area is located centrally in the middle portion of the article and extends longitudinally along a centre axis, transversally and symmetrically in a transverse direction towards each side edge of the core and in a thickness direction of the article. The second area protrudes outwards from a plane of the first area, and covers from 5-15% of a total area of the core. The first area surrounds the second area and covers the remainder of the total area of the core. The second area has grammage higher than grammage of the first area. The second area is integrated with the first area, and the second area is surrounded by a discontinuous embossing pattern which conforms to the shape of the second area of the core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable diaper for absorbing and receiving excreted urine and feces, The diaper includes a base layer including an absorber and a cover layer positioned at an upper end of the absorber. A skin contact layer is positioned at an upper end of the base layer so as to cover the cover layer, having an inlet cutting part cut in a predetermined length such that urine and feces reach the cover layer or the absorber.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sanitary absorbent articles and in particular to disposable feminine sanitary absorbent articles that are extremely thin, highly absorbent and have superior structural integrity properties.

Abstract: An absorbent article has an absorbent body obtained by mixing and accumulating fibers and high absorbent polymer particles. A wrapping sheet includes an intermediate part located on a front face side of the absorbent body and both side parts folded back to a back face side of the absorbent body from the intermediate part. Distal ends of the both side parts of the wrapping sheet are overlapped on the back face side of the absorbent body to form a connecting portion. A total weight of the high absorbent polymer particles is larger than a total weight of the fibers in the absorbent body. A content rate of the high absorbent polymer particles of the absorbent body increases stepwise or continuously from the back face side toward the front face side.

Abstract: A device for the jellification/absorption of a water-based fluid, said device comprising a) at least one member comprising at least one absorption material and at least one jellifying agent, and b) at least one container, wherein the at least one jellifying agent is adapted to react with the water-based fluid to form a gel; wherein the at least one member is contained within the at least one container, and wherein the at least one container is made, at least in part, of a water-soluble material. A method for the manufacture of the device and a use of the device.

Abstract: A system for measuring fluid absorption and retention properties of various samples having one or more materials, layers and/or articles. The system includes an optically or radiographically transparent fixture. The system enables measuring voxels having a grayscale value that demonstrate a difference in fluid densities and thereby enable the study of fluid flow and movement within and/or amongst various materials and articles in real time.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with substantially cellulose-free cores with zeolites.

Abstract: A cast and bandage protector that uses a seal ring but avoids water pooling and seepage. It uses a flexible, stretchable and deformable diaphragm stretched tightly over a seal ring in order to seal the ordinarily open end of a flexible sleeve of waterproof material. The rigid seal ring flexible holder holds the flexible sleeve open and the diaphragm tightly stretches over and above it to minimize water pooling seepage and leaking about the interface of the diaphragm and the limb of the patient wearing the cast and the cast protector.

Abstract: Load control apparatuses, systems and methods to control a location, orientation, or rotation of a suspended load by imparting thrust vectors to the suspended load or to a structure that holds the load. The load control apparatuses, systems and method may be integrated into a structure that holds a load, such as a rescue litter. The load control apparatuses, systems, and methods may be modular. The modular load control apparatuses, systems, and methods may be secured to a load or to a structure that holds the load.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a safety wheeled Athlete Transporter System Apparatus Device Medical Equipment, aimed particularly at enabling the safe, easy, quick, practical, efficient and cost effective method for transporting an injured/incapacitated Athlete/individual from a sports playing Field/Court or the like, to the sideline of a gaming area from/for a type of injury, medical evaluation, etc. This invention expedites multiple medical services and also allows less time delay in the/an underway sports game/activity. Additionally, the injured Athlete does not have to hop, skip, etc., off the playing Field/Court, potentially further injuring the already sustained injury. The invention eliminates the injured person's need to put their arms around the necks/shoulders of the team coaches or trainer's neck, to balance themselves to hop, skip, or jump to the sidelines/health tent, etc., for medical assistance/evaluations. Not a stretcher or wheelchair.

Abstract: A reciprocating drive motion wheelchair is provided. The wheelchair device includes a low-profile wheelchair that utilizes push bars pivotally connected to the wheelchair frame and operably connected to a crank bar, which run parallel to the ground and connects back to a crank on each wheel. An additional pair of wheels is disposed rearward of the drive wheels and prevents the wheelchair from tipping, thus allowing the user to utilize the push bars to move the wheelchair quickly and easily.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating user propulsion of a wheelchair having a frame for supporting a user and a pair of rear wheels that rotate about an axis. The apparatus includes a handgrip having an outer surface and an opposite, inner surface such that when a radial force relative to the axis is applied to the outer surface by the user the inner surface is configured to engage a rear wheel in the pair of rear wheels such that the rear wheel can be rotated and the wheelchair propelled. A pair of coupling members configured to couple the handgrip to the frame and hold the handgrip in a neutral position, and the pair of coupling members are further configured to alternately increase in length and become tensioned as the user moves the handgrip away from the neutral position to rotate the wheel.

Abstract: An automated system and methods are provided for calibrating an accelerometer of a patient support apparatus using a load cell. The patient support apparatus includes a litter frame and a deck supported by the litter frame, movable between various angled positions. A patient support surface is arranged on the deck and configured to support a patient thereon. The patient support surface has at least one region configured to be disposed at an angular position. A load cell is provided, configured to generate load data including first and second load outputs detected at first and second trend angles with respect to a horizontal plane. An accelerometer is provided, configured to generate angle data including first and second angle outputs representative of the trend angles. A controller in communication with the load cell and the accelerometer determines an error in the angle data and calibrates the accelerometer.

Abstract: A central bed having a longitudinal bed frame and a bed section mounted to the frame for rotation about a substantially vertical axis between a home position aligned with the bed frame and an away position.

Abstract: A robot system includes: at least one supporting unit, on which a person is placeable; a robot including a plurality of multi-jointed arms, each of which has a plurality of degrees of freedom, and at least one base provided with the plurality of multi-jointed arms; and at least one type of equipment mountable to the plurality of multi-jointed arms. The robot performs at least two nursing/medical actions on the person by operating the at least one type of equipment.