Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention may be a teeth cleaning device including: a first support structure comprising a first dentature channel configured to receive at least a first portion of a dentature of a user; a plurality of teeth cleaning pads located within the first dentature channel; a plurality of air bladders operably coupled to the teeth cleaning pads; an air-flow subsystem operably coupled to the air bladders; and a control unit operably coupled to the air-flow subsystem, the control unit configured to: (1) pressurize the air bladders with external air in a pressurization mode; and (2) transfer air between select ones of the air bladders in a cleaning mode.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a body part provided with an electric toothbrush head, and a cover part detachably coupled to the electric toothbrush head to sterilize the electric toothbrush head, and the body part is provided with contact type power output terminals to supply a power to the cover part. By including the cover part for sterilization configured to receive a power from a body part of the electric toothbrush with being coupled to the body part of the electric toothbrush, the electric toothbrush allows a user to perform sterilization treatment on the electric toothbrush by coupling the cover part to the body part after use of the electric toothbrush without a need to purchase a separate device for sterilization and carry the same, as well as allowing the user to easily perform hygiene management of the electric.

Abstract: A vibration structure of electrical toothbrush includes an eccentric rod. Two ends of the eccentric rod are respectively formed with a transmission section and a weight section. The transmission section is drivable by a driving force to rotate so as to drive the weight section to eccentrically vibrate. The weight section has an opening and a receiving space inward recessed from the opening. A cover member is correspondingly mated with the opening to cover the same. A weight block is disposed in the receiving space to partially or totally increase the weight of the weight section, whereby due to the increased weight, the weight section is unbalanced in weight to deflect from a central axis of the eccentric rod.

Abstract: An eccentric vibration structure of electrical toothbrush includes an eccentric rod. Two ends of the eccentric rod are respectively formed with a transmission section and a weight section. The transmission section is drivable by a driving force to rotate so as to drive the weight section to eccentrically vibrate. The weight section has at least one weight part for partially or totally increasing the weight of the weight section, whereby due to the increased weight, the weight section is unbalanced in weight to deflect from a central axis of the eccentric rod.

Abstract: An aqueous oral care solution, a kit that includes such solution, a method of making such solution, a method of using such solution (e.g., a method of providing fluoride to a patient's tooth surface), and a tooth surface having a coating derived from the aqueous oral care solution, wherein the oral care solution includes: silver cations; thiocyanatc anions provided by a thiocyanatc source comprising Ca(SCN)2; fluoride anions; and water; wherein the molar ratio of silver to thiocyanatc ions is up to 0.40:1, and water is up to 57 wt-%, based on the total weight of the solution.

Abstract: A permanent, removable and self-sustainable urethral probe, is provided. The probe includes a tubular body, which includes two discs, one being a proximal fixed disc and the other being a distal mobile disc. The tubular body has a distal end that includes holes connected by a longitudinal channel traversing the tubular body. The probe includes a connector that may be closed by a corresponding cover. The total length of this probe 1 is 7 cm for child models and 8 cm for adult models. A 15 cm is also available to be used in patients with special needs such as wheelchairs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for treating or managing fecal or bowel incontinence and methods employing them. In an embodiment, such a device can form a seal with at least a portion of the bowel to prevent unwanted discharge of fecal matter from the rectum.

Abstract: An artificial urethral sphincter. The artificial urethral sphincter includes a cuff member, a hollow cylinder, a spring, and a cable. The cuff member includes a first layer and a second layer which define an internal pocket between the first layer and the second layer. The cuff member is configured to encircle a urethra of a patient when the cuff ember is wrapped around the urethra of the patient. The hollow cylinder is configured to be disposed inside the patient's body. The spring is disposed inside the hollow cylinder. A first part of the cable is disposed inside the internal pocket. The first part of the cable is configured to block the urethra of the patient through gripping the urethra of the patient when the first part of the cable is pulled out of the internal pocket. The first part of the cable is configured to unblock the urethra of the patient by releasing the urethra of the patient when the second end of the spring is pulled toward the first end of the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: A cardiovascular graft is provided with highly reduced thrombogenicity. The cardiovascular graft is an electrospun non-woven mesh produced from supramolecular polymers with large diameter fibers. The cardiovascular graft can be implemented as a vascular graft into the human body to allow vascular bypass/reconstruction, or repeated venous access for dialysis treatment, as well as other disorders of small-diameter blood vessels.

Abstract: Provided is a seamless, cylindrical, high-density medical fabric which is thin and has high strength and low water permeability, the diameter of which can be reduced, which has high sewing strength in a region of at least 10 mm, in the lengthwise direction, from one end thereof, and to which damage can be minimized. The high-density medical fabric according to the present invention satisfies that: (1) both warps and wefts are synthetic fiber multifilament yarns having a total fineness of 60 dtex or lower; (2) the warps each have a single fiber fineness of 0.5 dtex or lower; (3) the cylindrical fabric has a two-wefts insertion woven structure in a region of at least 10 mm, in the lengthwise direction, from one end of the fabric; (4) the fabric has a cover factor of 1600-2400; and (5) the thickness of the fabric is 110 ?m or less.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a compression fixation between a first and further component. The apparatus comprises an elongate body having a head end and a tip end and comprising a screw thread including a first region in which the screw thread has a corresponding first pitch and a further region, extending from the tip end, in which the screw thread is tapered and has a corresponding farther pitch that continually decreases away from the tip end.

Abstract: Devices, systems, implants and methods for achieving ligament fixation are disclosed. An implant includes a head member and an anchor member coupled to the head member. The implant includes tension member that couples the head member to the anchor member. The head member and the anchor member include a cannulation that receives the tension member therein. The implant may include a coupling member positioned between and coupling the head member and the anchor member, the coupling member including a cannulation that receives the tension member therethrough. Insertion instruments for inserting an implant for ligament fixation are also disclosed. Methods of using an implant for achieving ligament fixation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to Myointegration, the improvement of breast implant apparatus, system and methods for a design that extends the breast implant centrifugally, or in which a separate device is utilized in combination with a breast implant, that has one or more straps originating from the breast implant extension or from the separate device. The one or more straps are looped through the pectoralis major muscle then back into the implant extension or the separate device repeatedly. The straps are eventually attached in some manner to themselves, to the implant extension, or to the separate device. Since the pectoralis major muscle contains neuromuscular spindles that sense length, velocity and acceleration, when the user changes position from supine to vertical, the gravitational force generated by the mass of the breast implant pulls on the strap or straps, which pulls the muscle and stimulates the neuromuscular spindles, thereby generating lift of the implanted breast insert.

Abstract: The Nucleo-reticular Multi-cell Dual-system Eye Implant consists of a spherical structure with calculated and variable axial length depending on the needs required by the orbital eye socket, composed of a cell mesh with alternative designs that in turn, makes up the MMM System, in which suturing is provided in any technique, either in cases of evisceration or enucleation. Thanks to its multi-cell structural design, it favors its placement and reduces the risk of migration, extrusion, exposure and extraction. As it is an arrangement with structural holes, it provides a higher percentage of the volume for its vascularization; it also houses inside a Reticular Fibrovascular Core System, which has a structure based on multilevels equipped with micro-reticular tissue and an intra-level communication based on filaments; with the capacity to contain medicines and/or technology by presenting a dual-system of two screw-on pieces, being able to manufacture in different structural designs and biocompatible materials.

Abstract: An intracorneal ring made of a polymer compatible with corneal metabolism such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in cooperation with a corneal graft for adjusting the topography and increasing the thickness of cornea. The ring is a full circle with two spherical or aspherical side surfaces defining its thickness, and an inner and an outer rim defining its width. A plurality of holes distributed around the ring pass through the thickness. A donor corneal graft sutured to the ring via the holes and stretched flat by the suture, fills the inside of the ring. The integrated ring, graft, and suture called as ring graft is inserted in the cornea stroma using superior scleral tunnel incision to correct the shape of the cornea and improve visual acuity. The ring supports the graft circumferentially and promotes its bonding with stroma. The supported graft reshapes and regenerates the cornea. The invention is applicable to treating mild to severe keratoconus, ectasia and other cornea disorders.

Abstract: Medical kits and methods for performing small incision DLEK include a corneal transplantation donor tissue graft formed into an implantable and compact rolled configuration using the flexible substrate.

Abstract: Intraocular lens (IOL) designs include having an optic with an anterior surface and a posterior surface surrounded by an optic edge. In some examples, the IOL has a plurality of haptics, each attached to the optic at a gusset, where each gusset extends beyond the optic edge toward an optic center such that the gusset at least partially overlaps with the anterior surface of the optic. In some examples, the IOL includes a ring structure integral with the optic and surrounding the perimeter of the optic edge, the ring structure having a thickness and the optic edge having a thickness, the ring structure thickness greater than the optic edge thickness.

Abstract: Methods and systems wherein laser induced refractive index changes by focused femtosecond laser pulses in optical polymeric materials or optical tissues is performed to address various types of vision correction.

Abstract: Methods and systems wherein laser induced refractive index changes by focused femtosecond laser pulses in optical polymeric materials or optical tissues is performed to address various types of vision correction.

Abstract: Methods and systems wherein laser induced refractive index changes by focused femtosecond laser pulses in optical polymeric materials or optical tissues is performed to address various types of vision correction.

Abstract: Methods and systems wherein laser induced refractive index changes by focused femtosecond laser pulses in optical polymeric materials or optical tissues is performed to address various types of vision correction.

Abstract: Bifurcated haptic aligner actuators (BHAAs) have an anterior and a posterior lens support ring to each of which is pivotively attached a plurality of center-pivoted struts, at least two of which comprise an opposing pair, and to each of the opposing pair of struts is pivotably attached a bifurcated haptic, one haptic branch being pivotably attached to the anterior part of a strut, the other branch of the same haptic being similarly attached to the posterior part of the same strut.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an intraocular lens having an optical body, two haptic elements and first and second sets of a plurality of ropes corresponding to respective ones of the first and second haptic elements. The ropes are secured to the optical body and to the haptic element and have a severing sequence. The haptic elements each have a compressed state, a partly compressed state and an uncompressed state. In the compressed state, the first rope of the severing sequence is configured to deform the haptic element in a direction toward the optical body as a result of which the first rope is under a tensile stress and the rest of the ropes are stress-free and, by the ropes being severed successively in the severing sequence, the haptic element can be brought firstly to the partly compressed state. All the ropes are severed in the uncompressed state.

Abstract: A valve repair devices and systems for repairing a native valve of a patient include a spacer, a pair of paddles, and a pair of moveable clasp arms. The pair of moveable clasp arms are disposed between the pair of paddles and the spacer. The moveable clasp arms are configured to attach to leaflets of a heart valve. The spacer, the pair of paddles, and the moveable clasp arms are configured such that, when attached to the leaflets, the moveable clasp arms are located between the spacer and first portions of the leaflet, while second portions of the leaflet engage the spacer.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valves having a support structure and at least one leaflet. The leaflet comprises means for allowing fluid that is behind the leaflet to pass through to the front of the leaflet when the leaflet is not in the closed position. The prosthetic valve includes a leaflet moveable between an open position that permits antegrade flow through the prosthetic valve and a closed position that prevents regurgitant flow through the prosthetic valve, the leaflet having an aperture or gap, or a separation of portions of the leaflet to allow a flow or exchange of fluid between a front and back of the leaflet, when the leaflet is not in the closed position.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable prosthetic valve are disclosed. The valve can have an annular frame having a plurality of frame members and a skirt assembly. The skirt assembly can include a laminate having a fabric layer sandwiched between a first covering member and a second covering member. At least one surface of the fabric layer can be exposed at one or more windows in the second covering member. The skirt assembly can be coupled to the annular frame by a suture extending through the fabric layer at the one or more windows and around at least one of the plurality of frame members. Methods for making such an implantable prosthetic valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve may include a collapsible and expandable valve frame, and a prosthetic valve assembly disposed within the valve frame. A tether may extend between a first end and a second end, the second end being coupled to the valve frame. The tether may be formed of a metal filament and have a length sufficient to extend through a ventricular wall when the prosthetic heart valve is implanted in an atrioventricular valve annulus. An anchor system may be provided and may include an epicardial anchor and a locking mechanism to crimp or to otherwise frictionally engage the tether without piercing the tether. Additional accessory tools may be provided to assist in crimping or uncramping the tether from the epicardial pad.

Abstract: A method for providing blood flow across a surface of a mitral stent-valve frame. A portion of the stent-valve frame is placed into the left atrium and into the left ventricle with a securement band located intermediate that is attached to either the annulus or to a second support frame that is placed initially and above the mitral annulus without affecting native leaflet function. Portions of the frame above the securement band allow blood flow radially inwards to reduce stagnation regions in the atrium or outwards below the securement band to help cleanse native leaflets.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for replacing a native valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end and a distal end, and a valve assembly disposed within the stent, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets and a cuff annularly disposed about the stent. The prosthetic valve includes a plurality of legs and a sealing portion that are biased to curl upon deployment of the valve to form a sealing ring at a spaced distance from the proximal end of the valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and function of a single-tether compressible valve replacement prosthesis which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed combats the process of wear on anchoring tethers over time by using a plurality of stent-attached, centering tethers, which are themselves attached to a single anchoring tether, which extends through the ventricle and is anchored to a securing device located on the epicardium.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening leaflet prosthetic valves having a frame and a leaflet construct. Leaflet frame attachments for prosthetic valves include the leaflet construct being at least partially coupled to a frame outer side by a looped structure.

Abstract: An implantable vein frame is contemplated in which two ring members are rigidly joined in spaced axial alignment via one or more interconnecting members. One of the one or more interconnecting members defines a protruding region that acts upon the implant placed within the frame and/or the vein that the vein frame is placed within to define a sinus region. The implant is placed within and scaffolded by the vein frame, and the vein frame is subsequently inserted within a vein via a venotomy, or interposed between two vein segments via vein interposition graft. The vein frame acts to support the structural integrity of the implant, and to scaffold and anchor the implant in place with the vein.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for replacing a native valve includes a stent extending between a proximal end and a distal end and including a plurality of struts forming cells, the stent having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. At least one runner is coupled a cell, the at least one runner being configured to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration when the stent moves from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition, the at least one runner projecting radially outwardly from the cell in the second configuration. A valve assembly is disposed within the stent, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets, a cuff at least partially disposed on a luminal surface of the stent, and a covering material disposed on an abluminal surface of the stent and covering the at least one runner in the second configuration.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivery and deployment of a heart valve prosthesis with a torque anchoring mechanism includes a balloon having a shaped surface configured to engage a corresponding shaped surface of the heart valve prosthesis. The balloon is configured to rotate about a central longitudinal axis of the delivery device to rotate the heart valve prosthesis.

Abstract: A system for replacing a heart valve of a patient. The system includes a delivery device and a prosthetic heart valve. The system is configured to be transitionable between a loaded state, a partially deployed state and a deployed state. In the loaded state, the prosthetic heart valve engages a coupling structure and is compressively retained within a primary capsule, which constrains the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed arrangement. In the partially deployed state, the prosthetic heart valve engages the coupling structure and is compressively retained within a secondary capsule, which constrains the prosthetic heart valve to a partially deployed arrangement. The partially deployed arrangement is less compressed than the compressed arrangement and less expanded than a deployed arrangement. In the deployed state, the primary and secondary capsules are retracted from over the prosthetic heart valve, which expands to the deployed arrangement and is released from the coupling structure.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system can include a dilator including a tip having a taper in a distal direction, a coupler, and a flap that radially protrudes from the tip. The flap can be configured to bend against a body lumen to cover at least a portion of the delivery system when the dilator is tracked through the body lumen. A medical device delivery system can include a dilator including a tip having a lumen and a coupler having a lumen. The coupler can be configured to securely connect to the tip such that the lumen of the tip is aligned with the lumen of the coupler to allow a guide wire to pass therethrough. Methods for loading a medical device into a delivery catheter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for replacing a defective aortic valve includes a self-expandable annular frame made of shape-memory material. A one-way valve structure is disposed within an interior of the frame. The frame includes a plurality of posts projecting axially from an outflow end portion of the frame, wherein each of the posts includes an axial post portion and a terminal post portion. The terminal post portions have greater circumferential dimensions than the axial post portions. The terminal post portions are preferably formed with concave inner surfaces and convex outer surfaces for conforming to the shape of a delivery catheter. Each of the posts is shaped for placement within a corresponding recess along a distal end portion of the delivery catheter for ensuring that the prosthetic heart valve remains coupled to the delivery catheter while the prosthetic heart valve is expanded within the defective aortic valve.

Abstract: An annuloplasty implant is disclosed comprising first and second support rings being adapted to be arranged as a coil in a coiled configuration around an axial direction, wherein the first and second support rings are adapted to be arranged on opposite sides of native heart valve leaflets of a heart valve to pinch said leaflets, fastening units fixed to the first support ring, wherein the fastening units are configured for interlocking with the second support ring via deformation of the fastening units when in the coiled configuration. A method of manufacturing an annuloplasty implant is disclosed, and a method of repairing a defective heart valve.

Abstract: An annuloplasty implant is disclosed comprising first and second supports being adapted to be arranged as a coil in a coiled configuration around an axial direction. The first and second supports are adapted to be arranged on opposite sides of native heart valve leaflets. The first support comprises first retention units fixed in relation to an outer surface of the first support and arranged along at least a first retention portion thereof. The second support comprises second retention units fixed in relation to an outer surface of the second support and arranged along at least a second retention portion thereof. First and second retention portions are curved in the coiled configuration, and the first and second retention units extend from respective first and second retention portions to produce a retention force, in use, at both of said opposite sides. A method of repairing a defective heart valve is also dis-closed.

Abstract: A conical shaped venous valve structure formed from collagenous mammalian tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide implants and methods for manufacturing an implant having an outer layer that is porous. The porous outer layer can help encourage tissue ingrowth into the implant. The porous outer layer may be positioned around a core structure this is solid or that has a hollow interior. The core structure may be spherical or any other appropriate shape for a medical implant.

Abstract: An in-situ additive-manufacturing system for growing an implant in-situ for a patient. The system has a multi-nozzle dispensing subsystem and a distal control arm. The multi-nozzle dispensing subsystem in one embodiment includes first and second dispensing nozzles. The first and second nozzles include first and second printing-material delivery channels, respectively. In another embodiment, the in-situ additive-manufacturing system includes a multi-material subsystem having a dispensing nozzle including first and second printing material delivery channels. Controlling computing and robotics componentry are provided. In various aspects, respective storage for first and second printing materials, and one or more pumping structures, are provided.

Abstract: An implant, in particular for the treatment and/or biological reconstruction of a bone defect, includes osteoconductive supporting bodies and a supporting sheath at least partially surrounding the osteoconductive supporting bodies. The sheath can be formed of a sheath material or can consist of a sheath material that is soluble in water or in water-containing liquids. A kit and method for the treatment and/or biological reconstruction of a bone defect can utilize a sheath for osteoconductive supporting bodies and a material for sheathing the osteoconductive supporting bodies.

Abstract: A tibial implant may include a plurality of implant subunits. The implant subunits may be configured for individual insertion within a wedge-shaped-void of the tibia. The implant subunits may further be configured for assembly in order to provide an implant substantially covering an exposed portion of cortical bone formed when performing a surgical osteotomy. Methods and kits for insertion and assembly of implants are further described.

Abstract: An additive-manufacturing system for printing spinal implants in-situ, within a patient, is disclosed. The system may include a robotic subsystem having scanning and imaging equipment and an armature including at least one dispensing nozzle and a controller apparatus having a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The controller may control the scanning and imaging equipment to determine a target alignment of a patients spine, develop an in-situ-printing plan including an in-situ material selection plan based on the target alignment of the patients spine, an interbody access space, and a disc space between adjacent vertebra of the patients spine, and execute the in-situ-printing plan. The controller may further control the armature to dispense at least one material chosen from a rigid material and a pliable material to form at least one motion-sparing implant.

Abstract: Total knee replacement is the standard treatment for advanced knee osteoarthritis. An improved method of treating an osteochondral defect for knee osteoarthritis of dogs is provided, which is a composite tissue for treating or preventing disease, disorder, or condition associated with an osteochondral defect with new technique. The new technique of custom made instruments and implants for dog and small animals is applied for different breeds of dogs regardless of their sizes and weights. The tool is a custom made instrument, which is based on capture of image based (CT of computed X-ray) to be transferred to electronic 3D model and apply 3D preoperative planning to design the tools are used to perform the knee surgery.

Abstract: A medical device, and a method for using the device, for implantation in a hip joint, wherein said medical device is adapted to be fixated to the femoral bone and receive a prosthetic replacement for the caput femur having a spherical portion, and to be fixated to the pelvic bone by a connection via an elongated member fixated to said spherical portion of said prosthetic caput femur. Wherein an inner surface comprises an equator line, being the largest circular circumference of said inner surface. Further at least one extending portion passes beyond said equator line and circumferentially extends discontinuously along said equator line, such that a portion of said elongated member can be placed between said extension line and said equator line, when said medical device being implanted together with the prosthetic replacement for the caput femur.

Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis for use in a hip arthroplasty surgical procedure is disclosed. The acetabular prosthesis includes a ceramic acetabular shell liner component configured to be secured to an acetabular shell component. The acetabular prosthesis also includes a metal ring affixed to and encircling the ceramic acetabular shell liner component. The acetabular prosthesis also includes an augment molded to and distally extending from the metal ring. The augment is shaped to modify a range of motion of a femoral prosthetic component when the femoral prosthetic component is fitted into the ceramic acetabular shell liner component. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis for use in a hip arthroplasty surgical procedure is disclosed. The acetabular prosthesis includes an acetabular liner assembly to be secured to an acetabular shell component. The acetabular liner assembly includes a ceramic acetabular shell liner component. The acetabular liner assembly also includes a metal ring affixed to and encircling the ceramic acetabular shell liner component. The metal ring includes a proximal rim shaped to define a lead-in surface.

Abstract: A medical device for treating hip joint osteoarthritis by providing a joint surface is provided. The medical device comprises at least two artificial hip joint surface parts, wherein said at least two artificial hip joint surface parts are adapted to be connected to each other to form an artificial hip joint surface during an operation. Furthermore a method of treating a hip joint of a human patient by providing said the medical device is provided. The hip joint comprising a caput femur and an acetabulum, the method comprises the steps of: cutting the skin of said human patient, dissecting an area of the pelvic bone on the opposite side from said acetabulum, creating a hole in said dissected area, said hole passing through said pelvic bone and into said hip joint of said human patient, and providing said medical device to said hip joint, through said hole in said pelvic bone of said human patient.