Abstract: A dual-lead thread drive screw system for a lateral expanding coaxial spinal implant. The system consists of a centrally located drive screw with lateral actuators. The actuators contain pins positioned through angular slots located on sidewalls attached to endplates. The angular slots provide angular positioning when the actuator pins translate through them. A carriage contains a drive screw for operating of the actuators. Alignment pins provided on each endplate allow the endplates rotate laterally relative to the carriage. An adjustment nut is axially retained by the carriage, but allowed to rotate. To expand/contract the endplates, the drive screw and adjustment nut are rotated together, with no relative motion between them. To change the angle of the endplates, the drive screw is rotated.

Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral spacer may include positioning the intervertebral spacer within an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebral bodies. The intervertebral spacer may include a plurality of bores, and each of the plurality of bores may be configured to receive either a linear fastening element or a curvilinear fastening element. The method also may include selecting a first fastening element from a group including linear fastening elements and curvilinear fastening elements, and inserting the first fastening element into a first bore of the plurality of bores such that the first fastening element is inserted into one of the adjacent vertebral bodies to secure the intervertebral spacer within the intervertebral space.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral fusion device is provided including a core, an upper endplate for contacting a first vertebral body and a lower endplate for contacting a second vertebral body. The expandable intervertebral fusion device is configurable in a first state, a second state and a third state. In the first state, the upper and lower endplates are generally planar to one another and define a first height. In the second state, the upper and lower endplates remain generally planar to one another and define a second height greater than the first height. In the third state, a lordotic angle is defined between the upper and lower end plates.

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 portal system for intervertebral surgical fusion procedures includes a longitudinally elongated hollow tubular body comprising a first wall, a second wall opposing the first and a third wall spanning from a first edge of the first wall to a first edge of the second wall. A channel is defined longitudinally through at least one of the first, second and third end walls. The fourth wall of the body is at least partially open or can be completely enclosed.

Abstract: An expandable device for expanding and supporting body tissue comprises an inferior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact one body tissue surface and a superior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact an opposing body tissue surface. The inferior endplate and the superior endplate are movable relative to each other in a direction of expansion. The device includes an elevator captively supported between the inferior endplate and the superior endplate for independent movement along the direction of expansion. In the first direction the elevator is moved toward said superior endplate to lift the superior endplate and expand the device. In the second direction the elevator moves away from said superior endplate toward said inferior endplate to create a space for insertion of an insert into the expanded device.

Abstract: A prosthesis that can be actuated by external force includes a prosthesis shaft and an exoprosthesis with at least one prosthesis motor that can be activated by a prosthesis control device and a joint. The prosthesis control device includes a housing, a microcontroller and display device, so that a gripping process can be replicated by the prosthesis motor controllable by the prosthesis control device and parameters of the gripping process are displayed on a display, in which case recording and evaluation of the electromyography signals are dispensed with. The display displays the chosen parameters of an imminent gripping process and the prosthesis control device includes an input device by which a desired gripping force and/or gripping time can be actively set on the microcontroller before performance of the gripping process by a prosthesis wearer directly on the prosthesis control device and can be readjusted during the gripping process.

Abstract: A prosthesis liner provided for fitting over a stump of a limb. The prosthesis liner includes a main body having an inner face directed towards the skin of the stump, and an outer face directed away from the stump. The prosthesis liner also includes a proximal access opening and a side wall, which extends from the access opening as far as a closed distal end portion of the liner. At least one sealing lip is arranged on the outer face of the main body and protrudes radially outwards from the main body.

Abstract: Provided is a thin, narrow tube for use in a biodegradable medical device formed from a round tube made of a magnesium material as the base material, in which a desired outer diameter and an inner diameter are provided with good precision over the entire region in a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction, and the length of biodegradation time can be controlled without changing a material composition. The thin, narrow tube is a thin, narrow tube of a biodegradable medical device, in which the thin, narrow tube is a round tube made of crystals containing magnesium (Mg) having a hexagonal crystal structure, and when the crystals forming the round tube are viewed in a round tube axis direction of the round tube, a hexagonal basal plane (0001) is oriented at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to a circumferential direction perpendicular to a radial direction (a direction from an inner surface to an outer surface) of the round tube.

Abstract: Vascular expandable devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. An expandable vascular device can be implantable across an aneurysm in a blood vessel of a patient. The device can include a generally tubular structure formed of a plurality of braided metallic elements. The device can have a compressed state with a compressed state diameter of 0.027 inches or less and an expanded state with an expanded state diameter of 1.75 mm or more. Each of the plurality of metallic strands can have an oxide layer having a thickness of about 400 angstroms or less. The tubular structure can be configured to self-expand from the compressed state to the expanded state.

Abstract: Medical devices, medical device systems, and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include an inner shaft having a stent receiving region. A bumper shaft may be disposed about the inner shaft. A deployment sheath may be slidably disposed about the inner shaft. The deployment sheath may have a body region and a distal stent covering region. The distal stent covering region may have an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the body region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a delivery catheter and the stepwise release of a stent from the catheter into the vasculature of a patient, as well as a loading device for a transcatheter heart valve (THV) prosthesis.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for stent delivery and positioning to cover an access site. A stent delivery system may include a tubular member configured to advance through an access site and a primary constrainment member configured to releasably couple the stent to the tubular member. The stent delivery system may further include a secondary constrainment member at least partially disposed around the primary constrainment member, the stent, and the tubular member. In some cases, the tubular member and the primary constrainment member may be configured to reposition the stent within the body lumen after removal of the secondary constrainment member such that at least a portion of the stent covers the access site after withdrawal of the tubular member, the primary constrainment member, and the secondary constrainment member from the body lumen through the access site.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for expandable stent delivery apparatus to cover an access site. The method may include delivering a stent delivery system through an access site, where the stent delivery system comprises a positioning member with a first portion that is rotatable with respect to a second portion, and where the stent is releasably coupled with the first portion of the positioning member. In some cases, the method may further include withdrawing an outer constrainment member from the stent to deploy a proximal portion of the stent within the body lumen and rotating the proximal portion of the stent away from the access site by withdrawing the positioning member proximally and back through the access site. The method may further include covering the access site with the proximal portion of the stent upon fully deploying the proximal portion from the outer constrainment member.

Abstract: The reconstrainment band includes a hollow generally tubular shaped band having proximal and distal ends and having an exterior surface for engaging a stent and an interior surface for engaging a delivery tube. The exterior surface has at least one fin projecting therefrom along the longitudinal axis of the band. The fin has at least one obtusely shaped surface relative to the longitudinal axis and facing one of the ends. The reconstrainment band is included in a delivery device for intraluminally positioning and deploying a radially distensible stent. Reconstrainment of a partially deployed stent is provided by the delivery device.

Abstract: An orthopedic support and/or treatment system including a brace or sleeve comprising a power subsystem; a sensor subsystem; an adjustment mechanism; a software subsystem; a communication subsystem; and a telemedicine subsystem. The orthopedic treatment system includes and communicates over a network to a remote controlling device. The remote control device can be a computer, a mobile device, or any other controller. The sensor subsystem communicates to the remote control device, which in turn can be used to control the adjustment mechanism to adjust a tension or compression of the brace or sleeve.

Abstract: A wheelchair body harness system and method for manufacturing such system comprising a vest portion and seat area created by a strap secured between a patient's legs. The wheelchair body harness may contain a zipper along the center of the patient's chest and abdomen area of the vest portion. Adjustable side and shoulder panels may also be included to accommodate patients of different sizes. The wheelchair body harness may contain straps and buckle members across the patient's sides and shoulders that correspond to straps and buckle members located on a wheelchair or wheelchair insert. The vest portion may contain a Velcro section on the posterior side to adhere to a Velcro back of a wheelchair or wheelchair insert. The vest portion may also contain snap parts interspersed throughout the Velcro section to snap onto mating snap parts on the Velcro back of the wheelchair or wheelchair insert.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch includes a collection pouch having a first side wall and a second side wall connected to one another along a periphery, the collection pouch having a collection cavity defined between the first and second side walls, an outlet connected to and extending from the collection pouch, the outlet defining an internal passageway connected to the collection cavity, the outlet having a coupling element, and a drainage adapter configured to engage the coupling element so as to be coupled to the outlet. The outlet is foldable to a closed condition to close the collection pouch and unfoldable to an open condition to drain the collection pouch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible device that integrates electromagnetic and mechanical elements and allows the combination of different mechanisms for voluntary closing of the intestinal lumen. The device can be used either with a stoma to control intestinal transit to the outside and avoid the use of collection pouches, or without a stoma to regulate intestinal transit for another medically necessary reason.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating and occluding a female patient's fallopian tubes to provide permanent or extended birth control or sterilization.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a fluid source including a fluid inflow tube, a fluid delivery device coupled to the fluid inflow tube and configured to deliver fluid from the fluid source into a patient, a surgical instrument, and a control box coupled to the surgical instrument. The control box includes one or more waste heat-generating electronic components and a heat pipe assembly disposed in thermal communication with the one or more waste heat-generating electronic components. The fluid inflow tube is disposed in thermal communication with the heat pipe assembly of the control box such that the heat pipe assembly conducts heat away from the one or more waste heat-generating electronic components and heats fluid flowing through the fluid inflow tube.

Abstract: A heat exchanger cap, and method of manufacture of a heat exchanger cap configured to conform to a human head the cap comprising a first element for covering one side of the head; a second element for covering the other side of the head; and an intermediate joining element joined to, and which spaces apart, the first element and second element. Each of the elements define a single passageway for the passage of fluid through the cap. Each of the elements are provided with a flow interface in the region where the elements are joined. The flow interface defines an inlet for the passage of fluid into the passageway of one of the elements, and an outlet for the passage of fluid from the passageway out of the same element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system which employs a cooling or heating pad which is preferably rechargeable with hot or cold temperatures at an intended area of the body. The pad includes a highly temperature-conductive or temperature-retentive material which can be cooled or heated using a portable source of heat or cold material delivered to the pad by a removable delivery conduit. Valves can be included to regulate flow of the cooling or heating material from the source to the pad. The system can also include a dual-chambered canister for containing two different media for heating, cooling or for alternating heating and cooling the pad.

Abstract: A medical device includes: a shaft having a distal end and an associated exhaust channel; a first balloon configured to be attached to the distal end of the shaft, the first balloon having an outer surface that is substantially conformal to an inner surface of a uterine cavity; and a second balloon configured to be received within the first balloon and forming an intermediary space between the first balloon and an outer surface of the second balloon. The second balloon includes at least one rupture valve configured to rupture at a predefined pressure in the intermediary space.

Abstract: An injectable formulation of therapeutic agent may comprise the therapeutic agent and a stabilizer such that a substantial portion of the stabilizer remains in the therapeutic device to stabilize the therapeutic agent when the therapeutic agent is released from the therapeutic device. The injectable formulation may comprise one or more of binding agent particles or erodible material particles, such that the formulation can be injected into the therapeutic device. The binding agent particles can bind reversibly to the therapeutic agent so as to modulate release of the therapeutic agent, and the erodible material particles can generate protons of an acid so as to increase stability of the therapeutic agent and may modulate release of the therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent can be combined with one or more of the stabilizer, the binding agent particles or the erodible particles to increase stability of the therapeutic agent and may modulate release.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices used to treat eyelids, meibomian glands, ducts, and surrounding tissue are described herein. In some embodiments, an eye treatment device is disclosed, which includes a scleral shield positionable proximate an inner surface of an eyelid, the scleral shield being made of, or coated with, an energy-absorbing material activated by a light energy, and an energy transducer positionable outside of the eyelid, the energy transducer configured to provide light energy at one or more wavelengths, including a first wavelength selected to heat the energy-absorbing material.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for laser eye surgery generally make use of a console that interchangeably accepts multiple types of eye treatment cassettes. The cassettes enable one or both of displacement-based or vacuum-based aspiration. The console and the cassette may communicate to establish the functionality of the installed cassette by utilizing a component indigenous to the operation of the cassette. A dual-mode cassette may include a separable holding tank for enabling vacuum-based aspiration. A displacement-based pump may be provided to drain the holding tank while the vacuum system continues to aspirate fluids. A vacuum sensor for controlling the flow of aspirated fluids may have three ports for communicating with a handpiece, a displacement-based pump, a vacuum-based pump, or an irrigation source. The handpiece may be vented during vacuum-based aspiration by opening a vent valve interposed between the handpiece and the vacuum source.

Abstract: Fluid is drained from a bleb using a device including a tubular member having opposed open ends to enable the fluid to flow from end to end through the tubular member. Inward from one end is a stop element enabling the one end to be inserted in one direction through a wall of the bleb but preventing the inserted end from being pulled in the opposite direction through the bleb wall. The opposed remote end of the tubular member is inserted into the retrobulbar space to enable fluid exiting the tubular member at this remote end to drain into the tissue. Along an exterior of the tubular member is an anchoring element enabling the device to be sutured in position. An ophthalmic product has a bleb drainage feature.

Abstract: System and method for providing diagnostic, imaging procedures and surgical laser treatments generating patterns of laser light on target tissue of a patient. The system includes aiming and treatment light beams originating from the same visible laser emitting diode, a scanner for generating patterns of points of light of the generated light, a controller, and a user interface that allows the user to select one of several possible point of light patterns, adjusts the point of light intensity and/or duration.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to ophthalmic laser procedures and, more particularly, to systems and methods for lenticular laser incisions to form a top lenticular incision, a bottom lenticular incision of a lens in the subject's eye, an added shape between the top and bottom incisions where the added shape has no corrective power and a transition ring bisecting both the top and bottom lenticular incisions.

Abstract: An applicator for a tampon is provided. The applicator has an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is slideable within the outer tube. The applicator has a forward end and a rear end, and the inner tube has at least one inwardly protruding flange.

Abstract: A surgical sponge including a sponge material configured an elongate sponge having multiple compressed layers and a flattened shape characterized by a generally flat upper surface, a generally flat lower surface, with the sponge having a thickness that is substantially less than a width of the sponge, one reduced dimension end of the elongate sponge having an end length and reducing in dimension distally along the end length; stitches along the length of the sponge to compress the sponge material and maintain the layers in compression to maintain the flattened shape of the sponge; and a length of stitch material extending from the reduced dimension end to provide a structure that is engageable for use in positioning or removal of the sponge during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An absorbent body 4 is provided between a liquid permeable topsheet 3 and a liquid impermeable backsheet 2, and a second sheet 6 is provided between the liquid permeable topsheet 3 and the absorbent body 4. Slits 10 that penetrate in the thickness direction are formed along a longitudinal direction on both sides of the absorbent body 4 in the width direction, a body fluid expelling portion corresponding region H is included between the slits, the second sheet 6 is provided along an inner surface of the slits, and concave grooves 11, in which the second sheet 6 and the liquid impermeable backsheet 2 are integrated, are formed in the slits. At least a portion of the second sheet 6 constituting one of the side surfaces of the concave groove 11 has water-repellent properties.

Abstract: A nonwoven having a high affinity for an active ingredient is proved, the nonwoven having at least one high surface area fiber in addition to the active ingredient.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a main body having a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the topsheet and the backsheet is disclosed. The main body has longitudinal and transversal axes. The article has two wings extending asymmetrically outwardly from a crotch portion of the main body in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal axis. The wings are provided with means for fastening them to a garment when folded over the main body and towards the longitudinal axis. Each wing has an outer edge which defines at least one arc of a circle having a radius coinciding with a section of the outer edge. The section extends between a first point and a second point along the outer edge where the arc no longer coincides with the outer edge. The radius is between 40-500 mm. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the absorbent article.

Abstract: An amputated leg medical wrap apparatus for securing and maintaining bandages on an amputated leg stump includes a bottom pad. A pair of straps comprises a top strap and a bottom strap each coupled to a bottom outer surface of the bottom pad. A pair of top pads comprises a right top pad and a left top pad coupled to the top strap and the bottom strap. The right top pad has a first hook-and-loop fastener coupled to a top inner surface and the left top pad has a second hook-and-loop fastener coupled to a top outer surface to secure the apparatus to a user's amputated leg stump. A belt strap is coupled to the bottom outer surface of the bottom pad and has a right belt strap extension and a left belt strap extension each having a looped top end configured to receive a waist belt.

Abstract: Feminine hygiene articles are disclosed herein. The feminine hygiene articles described herein can provide easily discernable placement and orientation guides which reduce the likelihood of misapplication by the user, facilitated attachment guides which can reduce the likelihood of misapplication of the feminine pad, and can also reduce the likelihood of improper attachment of the feminine pad to a panty. The feminine hygiene articles disclosed include uniquely shaped wings which can provide cues on proper attachment of the article to the panty, and may help in providing sustained coverage of the feminine hygiene article to the panty which reduces the likelihood that the pad will become detached during use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a low-cost smart textile electronic (tex-tronic) useful for wound healing assessment are provided. Data collection can be accomplished by reflection of the modulated wound-data to an interrogator. The RF modulation of the data can be done by a textile-based voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that takes the electric signal provided by electrochemical sensing of the uric acid found in the wound fluid. The low-cost smart textile electronic uses low-cost materials and is easy to manufacture and use by any patient or medical professional.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose an apparatus including a child sanitary napkin including a disposable child sanitary napkin underwear, wherein the child sanitary napkin includes a waterproof non porous outer layer, an adhered superabsorbent polymer layer, an odor absorbing activated charcoal pad layer with a soft cotton covering layer, an imprinted product barcode and an embedded RFID chip for tracking the child via a digital device cellular connection, wherein the child sanitary napkin includes a shape contoured to a female anatomical groin area, wherein the child sanitary napkin includes flared front and rear terminus areas to increase an adhesive bonding area, wherein the child sanitary napkin includes sizes conforming to children's clothing and age sizes, and age appropriate decorative images including stickers to apply to the child sanitary napkin outer surface.

Abstract: A motion-based push activation power assist system for manual wheelchairs. The system uses motion-based measurements to determine when the user applies a push to the wheelchair handrims and brakes with the handrims. The push recognition activates a drive system that provides an assistive driving force-pulse to the wheelchair to reduce the demand on the user during propulsion. The brake recognition deactivates the power assist. The provided power assist is proportional to the sensed push and can be modulated to different proportional settings.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a pivotable mechanism. The pivotable mechanism allows for a pivoting movement about an axis defined by an interface between adjacent components. These components may be (a) a seat member and a back member, (b) a seat member and a footrest, (c) a foot rest and a footplate support, (d) a baseplate and a footplate, or (e) a back member and a headrest.

Abstract: A height adjustable patient support has a frame, a pair of motor powered leg assemblies operable to vertically raise and lower the frame between a lowermost position and an uppermost position, a guide structure for longitudinally guiding an end of at least one of the pair of leg assemblies along the frame as the at least one of the pair of leg assemblies operates to vertically raise and lower the frame, and a non-motorized structure operable to longitudinally bias the end of the at least one of the pair of leg assemblies when the frame is in the lowermost position, the non-motorized structure mounted on the patient support by a mounting structure non-rigidly secured to the patient support. The non-motorized structure may assist with raising the frame from the lowermost position until motors operating the motor powered legs are able to continue with raising the frame.

Abstract: There is provided herein an examination table that is capable of being converted to render either an examination configuration or a seating configuration. The table includes a planar table member having a suitable surface for the examination of a subject and is adjustable between a horizontal orientation for medical evaluation of the subject and a vertical orientation when in the table member is not in use for exams.

Abstract: A smart medical rehabilitation device comprises a driving unit, a linkage unit, a sensing unit and a rehabilitation evaluating unit that are mounted on a frame, wherein the linkage unit comprises a link mechanism and a slide mechanism linked thereto so that the slide mechanism can be moved together with the link mechanism, wherein the slide mechanism is driven by the driving unit to slide along the groove plate, the link mechanism is linked to move with the slide mechanism thus the link mechanism moves to the corresponding position so that the slide mechanism can assist a training object in performing lower limb rehabilitation training, and the rehabilitation evaluating unit evaluates the physical status and rehabilitation status of the training object according to the physiological information and exercise information of the same collected by the sensing unit, and adjusts the exercise frequency and the exercise duration of the training object according to the physical status in real time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assistive glove for daily activities of stroke patient which comprises a main body, a first pulling member, a second pulling member, and plural circular strings. The main body comprises a thumb sleeve, at least one finger sleeve a palm portion connected to the thumb sleeve and the at least one finger sleeve by one side and a wrist portion connected to another side of the palm portion. The first pulling member and the second pulling member are disposed on the palm portion and having a first hook and at least one second hook corresponding to the thumb sleeve and the at least one finger sleeve. The plural circular strings are hung on the first hook and the at least one second hook and fixed to the thumb sleeve and the at least one finger sleeve respectively.

Abstract: A cushioning body for a leg rest of a rollator walking aid is in the form of an elastic molded body and has an upper side, which, when the elastic molded body is attached to a support member of the leg rest of the walking aid and the walking aid is used by a person, faces a bent leg of the person, a lower side, and a depression disposed on the upper and/or lower side. The depression is configured as a recess or as an area in which the material of the molded body has a reduced density. In the depression, a protuberant part of the anterior surface of the knee and of the neighboring portion of the lower leg is received when a leg of a person is resting on the cushioning body, in particular when the bent leg is in contact with the upper side of the cushioning body.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for massaging having a body with a handle and a distal end, and a rigid support movably attached to the body and having a surface. The apparatus is sized to contact the user between the distal end and the surface. The user may then adjust the a force by moving the handle relative to the surface to apply a force to the user's body.

Abstract: A wearable sleeve is configured to be worn on a limb of a user. The sleeve includes a flexible tubular sleeve body that is elongate along an axis. The sleeve further includes at least one of a series of vibrating elements and a series of pneumatic compression elements that are attached to the tubular sleeve body. During use, the vibrating elements and/or the compression elements are configured to be disposed along a lymphatic drainage path of the user. Targeted photonic stimulation in the form of light generated by LED or laser may be employed to further enhance the circulatory and physiologic changes. Microprocessor incorporated control and interactive capability further results in optimized application and patient compliance due to improved efficacy.

Abstract: There is provided a leg massager that massages a user's leg by a position-adjustable massaging system for selectively massaging massage target areas of the leg. The leg massager includes: a lower massaging system that massages a massage target area of the user's leg L including at least user's foot F; an upper massaging system that massages an upper massage target area located above the massage target area which is massaged by the lower massaging system; a driving mechanism that drives the upper massaging system and the lower massaging system; and a rockably supporting portion that supports the upper massaging system for rocking motion about its horizontal axis.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide an improved stimulation device, including a cup and a driver. The cup has a cavity surrounded by a rim. In use, a user positions the rim such that an opening to the cavity is over an area to be stimulated (for example, the clitoris). A sealed- or substantially-sealed, chamber is formed by the cavity walls and the user's skin (surrounding the clitoris). A driver is configured to vary a volume of a cavity of a cup from a first volume to a second volume. The cup returns from the second volume to the first volume, in between intermittent varying from the first volume to the second volume, due to a buckle region wall of the cup springing out. The varying of the volume creates a pressure field in the chamber. The springing out produces a “thud” force, also used interchangeably with “thump” force.