Abstract: A brush head includes a connecting member detachably mounted in a brush head body, and an elastic element mounted on an outer surface of the connecting member and including a connecting portion with a slot and two clamping portions. A through opening is formed in the connecting member and the middle of each clamping portion is bent inwardly to form an abutting arch capable of deforming elastically in a radial direction of the slot. When the abutting arches are not stressed, the distance between vertex ends of the abutting arches is smaller than a radial thickness of the driving shaft of the electric toothbrush. After the driving shaft is inserted into the slot, the two abutting arches penetrating through the through openings is deformed and directly abut against the driving shaft so that the brush head and the driving shaft are connected stably. The brush head is simple in structure.

Abstract: A specialized battery powered device that has a rotating sponge tip that can dispense mouthwash on demand while in use. The sponge tip can be rotated by a battery-powered motor at different RPM. The present invention also includes a step-by-step process for using the device and achieving an extremely clean mouth.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for whitening teeth of a subject comprising administering one or more isolated, non-pathogenic, hydrogen peroxide-producing bacterial strains to an oral cavity of a subject.

Abstract: A device having a structured coating for adhering to rough, in particular biological, surfaces, includes a carrier layer, wherein a plurality of protrusions is arranged on the carrier layer, which protrusions each comprise at least a shaft having an end face pointing away from the surface, and wherein a further layer is arranged at least on the end face, wherein the layer has a different modulus of elasticity than the protrusion in question. The further layer can also fill the intermediate spaces between the protrusions such that an internal structured coating is produced.

Abstract: A structure of aligned (e.g., radially and/or polygonally aligned) fibers, and systems and methods for producing and using the same. One or more structures provided may be created using an apparatus that includes one or more first electrodes that define an area and/or partially circumscribe an area. For example, a single first electrode may enclose the area, or a plurality of first electrode(s) may be positioned on at least a portion of the perimeter of the area. A second electrode is positioned within the area. Electrodes with rounded (e.g., convex) surfaces may be arranged in an array, and a fibrous structure created using such electrodes may include an array of wells at positions corresponding to the positions of the electrodes.

Abstract: A method of promoting lung disinsufflation including inserting a catheter into a bronchial passage of a patient's lung. The catheter contains an implantable artificial bronchus compressed within the catheter. The method further includes using the catheter to position the implantable artificial bronchus in the bronchial passage such that the implantable artificial bronchus extends across openings of a plurality of other bronchial passages and withdrawing the catheter from the bronchial passage to cause the implantable artificial bronchus to naturally expand and remain in the bronchial passage. The implantable artificial bronchus is configured to promote enlargement of the bronchial passage and allow air to exit from the plurality of other bronchial passages and into the implantable artificial bronchus through one or more of the plurality of side openings.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for the delivery of an implant into the prostatic urethra. Embodiments of delivery systems can include a delivery device for insertion into the patient and a proximal control device for use in controlling release of the implant from the delivery device.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to an assembly including a single multibranch stent device. The single multibranch stent device includes a main body, a proximal coupling extending radially from the main body, and a distal coupling extending radially from the main body. The main body, the proximal coupling, and the distal coupling are permanently coupled to one another and the single multibranch stent device is a single piece. By forming the single multibranch stent device as a single piece, the single multibranch stent device can be deployed in a single deployment thus simplifying the deployment procedure.

Abstract: A composite scaffold having a highly porous interior with increased surface area and void volume is surrounded by a flexible support structure that substantially maintains its three-dimensional shape under tension and provides mechanical reinforcement during repair or reconstruction of soft tissue while simultaneously facilitating regeneration of functional tissue.

Abstract: A breast shaping method using a barbed suture and a suture handling device. The breast shaping method includes inserting a tensioning barbed suture in medialmost and lateralmost portion of the inframammary fold from deep soft tissues (muscle/pericondrium-periostium to and along the subdermal layer of the inframammary fold, with an end portion of the barbed suture being left outside of the skin, thereby allowing the barbed suture to be tensioned, tensioning the end portion of the barbed suture arranged by the insertion of the barbed suture, so that the barbed suture pulls tissues of the subdermal layer, thereby lifting the inframammary fold and defining a nice indentation of the inframammary fold, and cutting the end portion of the barbed suture outside of the skin after the tensioning of the barbed suture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for improving or optimizing peripheral vision. In particular, various IOL designs, as well as IOL implantation locations, are disclosed which improve or optimize peripheral vision.

Abstract: An IOL injector including a plunger having a spring-assisted IOL delivery mechanism is described.

Abstract: A paravalvular leak resistant prosthetic heart valve system including a stent frame, a valve structure and a sealing mechanism. The stent frame has a surface. The valve structure is associated with the stent frame. The sealing mechanism at least partially extends over the surface of the stent frame. The sealing mechanism includes at least one semi-permeable membrane and an osmotic gradient driving material.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can include a radially collapsible and expandable annular frame having a plurality of struts defining openings. The prosthetic heart valve can further include a plurality of leaflets that regulate the flow of blood through the frame. The prosthetic heart valve can also include a sealing member mounted on the frame and having an inner layer and an outer layer. At least the outer layer is mounted on the outside of the frame, and the inner layer covers at least the openings in the frame between adjacent cusp portions of adjacent leaflets and the inner layer does not cover one or more openings in the frame at locations facing the outflow surfaces of the leaflets to permit retrograde blood to flow through the one or more uncovered openings in the frame and into space between the outer layer and the frame.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves are described herein that can provide clearance to the left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT), reduce the possibility of undesirable outflow gradients, and/or limit or prevent LVOT obstructions when implanted in the heart. In some embodiments, a prosthetic heart valve can include an outer frame having a cuff portion that is disposed at an angle (e.g., 80 degrees) relative to the vertical axis of a body portion of the outer frame, so that the prosthetic valve can seat securely in the annulus while not obstructing the ventricular outflow tract of the heart. In some embodiments, a prosthetic heart valve can alternatively, or additionally, include subvalvular components having a short profile, such that the prosthetic valve can seat securely in the annulus while not obstructing the ventricular outflow tract of the heart.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a catheter assembly and a handle assembly that can be removably coupled to the catheter assembly. A valve holding tube defines a lumen configured to receive a prosthetic mitral valve in a compressed configuration and can be removably coupled to a distal end portion of the handle assembly. The valve holding tube can be received within a hub of the catheter assembly when coupled to the handle assembly. The actuator when actuated is configured to cause the tensioning unit to travel along a traveler strap of the catheter assembly moving the handle assembly distally such that a distal end of an elongate shaft of the handle assembly moves the prosthetic mitral valve distally out of the valve holding tube and out a distal end of the sheath such that the prosthetic mitral valve is free to move to a biased expanded configuration.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic device includes a coaption portion, paddles, and clasps. The paddles are extendable from a folded closed position to an open position. The clasps each have a fixed arm and a plurality of moveable arms each having a barbed portion. A plurality of hinge portions connect the moveable arms to the fixed arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a central augment. The central augment can include a body and a protrusion. The body can include a first curved surface shaped to interface with a central portion of a bone and a second surface opposite the first curved surface and defining a recess sized to receive a portion of a prosthetic component. The protrusion can extend from the second surface within the recess.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an elbow arthoplasty prosthesis that includes an ulnar component, a humeral component, one or more articulation liners, and a retention trap. The ulnar component includes a spherical bearing head that can be inserted into the humeral component in a number of orientations. The articulation liners and the retention trap are operatively engaged to the humeral component to retain the ulnar component within a humeral socket. The present disclosure also relates to methods of assembling and implanting the prosthetic device.

Abstract: A method of implanting a joint prosthesis assembly for joint arthroplasty using a coupling mechanism is disclosed. The method includes exposing a joint of a patient, resecting a portion of the joint, inserting a second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly into a medullary canal, and inserting a first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly from a lateral side of the joint. The joint prosthesis assembly includes a magnet. The magnet is configured to lock the first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly to the second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly. The first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly includes a recess. The second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly includes a protrusion. The recess is configured to house the protrusion. Alternatively, the first prosthesis and the second prosthesis may be assembled in a direct line using the magnet for secure coupling of the components.

Abstract: A hinged articulating spacer system for revision knee arthroplasty includes a femur rod for a femur, and a tibia rod for a tibia. The tibia rod is hingedly couplable to the femur rod to form a hinged rod assembly. A pre-formed femoral spacer component includes bone cement impregnated with an antibiotic. The pre-formed femoral spacer defines an opening that receives the hinged rod assembly. A pre-formed tibial spacer component includes bone cement impregnated with an antibiotic. The pre-formed tibial spacer defines an opening that receives the hinged rod assembly.

Abstract: A femoral prosthesis and a knee prosthesis are provided. The femoral prosthesis includes a condyle surface having a first surface section contacting a tibial joint surface over a first range of flexion angles and a second surface section contacting the tibial joint surface over a second range of flexion angles; the first range of flexion angles from a first to a second flexion angle; the second range of flexion angles from the second to a third flexion angle; the first flexion angle selected from ?20° to 0°, the second flexion angle selected from 45° to 75°, the third flexion angle selected from 50° to 90° and the third flexion angle greater than the second flexion angle; the first surface section having a radius of curvature of a constant length, and the second surface section having a radius of curvature that decreases from a front end to the rear end.

Abstract: A bicondylar knee implants with improved fixation means for resurfacing only the weight-bearing surface of the femoral medial and lateral condyles, while preserving the cruciate ligaments and avoids displacing the patella. The inventive device includes metallic convex articular surfaces for resurfacing the medial and lateral femoral condyles, and concave multifacial non-articular surfaces to be affixed to the resected distal surfaces of the femur. The prosthesis provides claws situated at the anterior and posterior ends of the medial and lateral metallic condyles, which will firmly attach the implant against the resected femoral condyle. The prosthesis is designed to be implanted through a direct lateral approach and does not resurface the femoropatellar joint. Furthermore, a minirobot or electromechanical actuator is used to perform the femoral and tibial bone cuts using electromagnetic bone chipper.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an artificial femoral prosthesis (100) for knee arthroplasty, a tibial prosthesis (150), a medial femoral unicompartmental prosthesis (201), a lateral femoral unicompartmental prosthesis (301), and a femoral trochlear prosthesis (401). The femoral prosthesis (100) comprises: a medial condyle portion (51) and a medial trochlear portion (131), wherein an articular surface of the medial condyle portion appears in a sagittal section as an arc of a first ellipse (38), and an articular surface of the medial trochlear portion appears in the sagittal section as an arc of a second ellipse or circle (40); and lateral members (91, 141), comprising a lateral trochlear portion (141) and a lateral condyle portion (91), wherein an articular surface of the lateral trochlear portion appears in the sagittal section as an arc of a third ellipse or circle (80), and an articular surface of the lateral condyle portion appears in the sagittal section as an arc of a fourth ellipse (78).

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for joint (e.g., shoulder) arthroplasty. In one aspect, there is provided a device for determining inclination and/or version of a prosthetic head with respect to a prosthetic stem. In another aspect, there is provided a joint (e.g., shoulder) prosthesis. In another aspect, there is provided a method for setting an inclination angle and/or a version angle of a prosthetic head with respect to a stem implanted or to be implanted in a bone of a joint (e.g., shoulder).

Abstract: A calcaneal prosthesis system includes a body having a dorsal surface, a plantar surface, an anterior surface, and a posterior end. The posterior end has a tuberosity. The anterior surface has at least a concavity or convexity shaped for receiving a cuboid bone or mid-foot bone. The dorsal surface includes a convex or concave surface for engaging a talus bone or distal tibia. The body has a first previously formed surface defining a hole extending through the body for receiving an intramedullary (IM) nail. The hole extends from the plantar surface of the body to the dorsal surface.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: Stand-alone interbody fusion devices for engagement between adjacent vertebrae. The stand-alone interbody fusion devices may include a spacer and one or more inserts or members coupled to the spacer. The inserts or members may be configured and designed to provide the apertures which are designed to retain bone fasteners, such as screws, and secure the implant to the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Interbody spinal implants comprise internal sidewalls having a roughened surface topography. The internal sidewalls may be those that surround a substantially hollow implant center, including the sidewalls of a vertical aperture and sidewalls of a transverse aperture. The roughened surface topography comprises macro, micro, and nano features that comprise an amplitude, a peak to valley height, and spacing.

Abstract: A unique, universal Zero-Profile Expandable Intervertebral Spacer (ZP-EIS) device for fusion and distraction throughout the entire spine is provided which can be inserted via anterior, anterolateral, lateral, far lateral or posterior surgical approaches dependent on the need and preference. Multiple ZP-EIS embodiments each with unique mechanisms of calibrated expansion are provided. Two of these embodiments incorporate bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screws and five other embodiments do not incorporate BDFT screws. A tool for implantation into the intervertebral device and calibrated device expansion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular acetabular cup assembly for use with multiple bearing liners is disclosed. The acetabular cup assembly includes a shell having a tapered inner wall and two circumferential grooves. The shell may be used with polyethylene, ceramic, metal, and other types of liners.

Abstract: Devices and methods for implantation of an orthopedic device between skeletal segments using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationship(s) of adjacent bones. Depending on the implant design, the motion between the skeletal segments may be increased, limited, modified, or completely immobilized.

Abstract: Joint prosthesis (100) with removal device comprising a first portion (10) suitable to be implanted in a bone structure and suitable to couple with a second portion (50), characterised in that said second portion (50) houses within it a removal element (70) suitable to interact with at least one of said first and second portions (10, 50) and in that said removal element (70), is configured to be operated in translation with respect to the second portion (50), and to generate a detachment force such as to uncouple the first portion (10) from the second portion (50) of the joint prosthesis (100).

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical system includes a sensor module for determining the joint force of a patient's knee joint and an adaptor for coupling various tibial trialing components to the sensor module. The sensor module includes a tibial paddle to which the adaptor is configured to couple. The adaptor and tibial paddle include structures that control the orientation at which the adaptor is attachable to the tibial paddle. Some tibial trialing components may be positioned over the adaptor in a mobile orientation that facilities rotation of the tibial trialing component relative to the tibial paddle or a fixed orientation that restricts the rotation of the tibial trialing component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an intervertebral trial includes a front surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface and a second side surface that collectively define an internal space. The internal space includes at least one marker structure attached to at least one of the top surface, the bottom surface, the first side surface and the second side surface. The at least one marker structure indicates a dimension of the intervertebral trial. Additionally, the at least one marker structure is spatially representative of the dimension when measured relative to one of the front surface, the top surface, the bottom surface, the first side surface or the second side surface.

Abstract: A movable joint for use in a prosthetic or orthopedic system includes first and second joint sections arranged to rotate relative to one another. At least one shaft member is attached to and arranged to rotate relative to the first or second joint sections. A translating member is attached to the at least one shaft member. Translation of the translating member along a length of the at least one shaft member drives rotation of at least the first joint section and the second joint section.

Abstract: An orthotic or prosthetic joint device with an upper part and a lower part arranged in a hinged manner on the latter, and a fastening member for securing the joint device on a user. The device includes at least one hydraulics unit positioned between the upper part and the lower part, which hydraulics unit has a piston that is movable in a housing with an extension chamber and a flexion chamber and that is coupled to the upper part or the lower part. The hydraulics unit is assigned a pressure supply device with a pump and a pressure accumulator via which the piston, controlled by a control device, is subjected to a pressure. The pump can be operated in generator mode, the pressure accumulator can be coupled drivingly to the pump, and the hydraulic fluid can be conveyed by the pressure accumulator through the pump to the hydraulics unit.

Abstract: A liner for a prosthesis, wherein the liner is made of a liner material and comprises a proximal opening for accommodating an amputation stump, a distal end, a longitudinal direction, which extends from the proximal opening to the distal end, and an auxetic material The auxetic material is a two-dimensional-auxetic material, which is arranged in such a way that an extension of the liner in the longitudinal direction leads to an expansion of a diameter of the liner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoluminal device for implantation in a body lumen, such as a pancreatic duct. The device is provided with a distal end region having greater flexibility than that of a medial region of the device.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed having a structure capable of preventing liquid circulation between an inner layer side and an outer layer side of a peripheral wall portion. The medical instrument includes a main body portion in which a center hole and a radially outward space are partitioned by a tubular peripheral wall portion. The peripheral wall portion includes at least a first layer on which a hydrophilic member, in which a hydrophilic coating is formed on a first base portion, is disposed and a second layer on which a hydrophobic member, in which a hydrophobic coating is formed on a second base portion, is disposed. The peripheral wall portion is configured by the first layer and the second layer being stacked along a radial direction. As a result of swelling of the hydrophilic coating, the adjacent hydrophilic members come into contact with each other.

Abstract: Biodegradable self-expanding polymer stent has an outer diameter of 0.25-40 mm, length of 5-250 mm, and closed-cell wall structure formed by struts, where ratio of inner diameter values before crimping and after crimping is in a range of 3 to 5, and made of a copolymer obtained from L-lactide, D-lactide, D,L-lactide, meso-lactide, glycolide, ?-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, p-dioxanone and compounds comprising functional groups capable of photopolymerization; supramolecular structure of the copolymer is oriented substantially circularly in a transversal cross section of the stent. Method of manufacturing includes extruding a tube of a polymer material; annealing the extruded polymer tube; laser cutting the extruded polymer tube to form a stent workpiece; heating the stent to above glass transition temperature of the polymer, crimping the stent workpiece uniformly over the entire outer surface thereof, and quenching at about minus 20 degrees Celsius; placing the quenched stent on a delivery means.

Abstract: A needle system for providing fluidic and/or instrument access to an internal body structure. Exemplary embodiments may include non-linear needles having anatomically appropriate lengths and curvatures. Some exemplary embodiments may include a pivotable base, which may assist in stabilizing the needle system with respect to a body structure and/or may be reconfigurable into a safety guard position. Exemplary needle systems may include expandable conduits providing fluidic and/or instrument pathways into internal body structures.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis delivery system comprising: a guide wire catheter; a nose cone dilator at the proximal end of the guide wire catheter; and a pusher catheter comprising a lumen configured to receive the guide wire catheter therethrough and at least one longitudinal auxiliary lumens configured to receive an auxiliary catheter. The pusher catheter may have recess in the guide wire lumen. The recess may be configured to receive a portion of the nose cone dilator when the guide wire catheter is withdrawn distally.

Abstract: A handle for an implant deployment device converts rotational movement into longitudinal movement in order to provide controlled release of one or more trigger wires. The handle also allows the trigger wire to be withdrawn into the device so that it does not need to be separately removed. A preferred handle includes a rotatable portion and a slidable portion. Releasable locks ensure that the handle is used to carry out implant deployment steps in a specific order.

Abstract: A delivery system has a delivery capsule with a detachable portion including first and second open ends with a tapered wall extending therebetween to compress and guide a collapsible heart valve into the delivery capsule. The detachable portion may be detached from the delivery capsule after loading the collapsible heart valve to leave a smooth distal surface on the delivery capsule. Detachment of the detachable portion may occur by breaking or removing a frangible member interposed between the detachable portion and the delivery capsule.

Abstract: A method of performing angioplasty includes accessing an artery, inserting a tubular balloon into to the artery in a low-profile operating mode, the tubular balloon constrained in a generally helical shape, and forming a lumen within the generally helical shape by expanding the tubular balloon into a high-profile operating mode. A system for creating a lumen is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for non-surgical treatment of plantar fasciitis is disclosed. The system comprises a primary support strap split at both ends; a secondary support strap split at one end; and a cover support strap; wherein the straps are applied to a foot such that the combination of straps provides dynamic windlass support to the foot.

Abstract: A material includes a support layer comprising a woven fiber layer less than 30 mils thick. The support layer includes an elongate strap support. The support layer has a ratio of elongation to tensile strength (lb/in-width) that is less than 0.9 in a first direction and greater than 0.9 in a perpendicular second direction. The material additionally includes an adhesive layer on said support layer for adhesive attachment of said support layer to the outer skin surface of a user and a removable cover layer on said adhesive layer. Methods of use of the material and elongate strap support(s) to a human body include providing anatomical support or therapeutic effects.

Abstract: An orthopedic device, first and second struts, and a range-of-motion limiting pivot assembly connecting to the first and second struts. The pivoting assembly having an engagement member linked to a tab disposed and arranged for pulling radially outward away from a central axis of the pivoting assembly for adjusting the range of motion of the pivoting assembly.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a therapy tape configured to enable a tensile force to be applied to one or more surfaces (e.g., a patient's skin). In various embodiments, the therapy tape may comprise a backing layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. An adhesive layer configured to secure the therapy tape to a surface may be secured relative to the bottom surface of the backing layer. Moreover, one or more handles may be secured to the top side of the backing layer. The one or more handles may be configured to enable a tensile force to be applied to the therapy tape and the surface to lift a portion of the surface while maintaining adherence between the therapy tape and the surface.