Abstract: A dental implant for implantation in the jawbone for the purpose of fastening a superstructure. The implant includes an implant body that extends between a coronal and an apical end and which defines an enossal outer surface. The implant body defines a cavity that is open coronally as well as at least one exit opening from an inside to the enossal outer surface. An outer thread is shaped on the implant body. A thermoplastic element is moreover present in the solid condition and is arranged in the cavity or introducible into the cavity, wherein the thermoplastic element can be brought into an at least partly flowable condition by way of applying a pressing force, which is directed apically into the cavity, and mechanical oscillations and can be pressed through the at least one exit opening into surrounding tissue on account of the pressing force.

Abstract: A dental anchor that is easily planted into a target space created by a lost tooth is presented. The dental anchor has a root portion made to extend into and contact bone tissue and a trunk portion directly attached to the root portion and disposed above gumline. A dental anchor planting apparatus that facilitates the precise planting of the dental anchor is also presented. The apparatus includes a main support and a chinrest, an impression tray, a dental anchor, and a nose bridge support all connected to the main support. The dental anchor of the disclosure may be used instead of a traditional dental implant to shorten procedure time and lower risks of infection and bone damage.

Abstract: Apparatus for powder-free intra-oral 3D imaging by using a projected texture pattern. A projector projects a random texture pattern of light to teeth to be imaged, and a digital image sensor receives the projected texture pattern from the teeth. The reflected pattern of light reflects and scatters from the teeth. The texture pattern can be a grid having clusters of bright and dark blocks in a pseudo-random arrangement and can provide for powder-free intra-oral 3D imaging by using the pattern to optically simulate powder applied to the teeth. Polarizers can be used in the optical path to transmit the directly reflected light to the image sensor and suppress or discard some of the unwanted scattered light.

Abstract: A system comprising a scanning device is operable by a user to scan teeth of the user to acquire images of the teeth. The scanning device comprises a camera operable to acquire the images, a guide configured to orient the camera with respect to the teeth to facilitate acquisition of the images, and a server system configured to receive the images acquired by the scanning device and to develop a treatment plan for the user based on the received images.

Abstract: A plate-shaped body portion curved in a thickness direction and having a back surface that abuts on a gum portion during the wearing is provided. The body portion has a thickness that is thick at a position where a first recessed portion to avoid an upper lip frenulum is provided or a portion adjacent to the first recessed portion and thins toward an end.

Abstract: A hand tool apparatus is disclosed as providing an elongate, adaptive ergonomic handle portion. In at least one embodiment, the handle portion provides a pair of opposing handle ends. At least one of the handle ends provides an instrument portion. An at least one bendable core is positioned between the handle ends, the at least one core capable of being selectively bent into a variety of desired shape configurations, and substantially maintaining those shape configurations until the core is intentionally bent into a different desired shape configuration. As a result, the handle portion is capable of ergonomically conforming to a hand of a user while shifting a weight, as well as instrumentation forces and fulcrum of the apparatus and encouraging proper positioning of the instrument portion during use of the apparatus, regardless of the specific procedure to be performed using the apparatus.

Abstract: A valve assembly (10) including first and second housing parts (22, 24). The first and second housing parts are secured to each other such that respective channels in each are aligned to define inlet and outlet fluid pathways (25, 35) through the valve assembly. A leaf valve insert (38) is arranged between the first and second housing parts, and includes a plurality of leaves (40). First and second leaves are respectively aligned with the inlet and outlet fluid pathways. The first leaf (40a) is configured to permit fluid flow in the inlet fluid pathway in a first direction while impeding fluid flow in a second direction. The second leaf (40b) is configured to permit fluid flow in the outlet fluid pathway in the second direction while impeding fluid flow in the first direction. The first direction is from the first housing part toward the second, and the second direction is from the second housing part toward the first.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mouthpiece for a vibratory tooth cleaning device for simultaneously cleaning several, preferably all, of a user's teeth, comprising a holder and a silicone casing substantially completely surrounding the holder. In addition, a vibratory tooth cleaning device and a manufacturing method for a silicone casing and mouthpiece are provided.

Abstract: A filler for an anaesthetic vaporizer used for veterinary surgery. The filler is attached to a cylindrical bucket portion of the vaporizer. The filler is curved in shape and having a concave mounting surface that is obverse to the cylindrical bucket portion. The filler having fluid conduits therein interconnecting first apertures on the concave mounting concave surface and a filler-port unit, the first apertures on the mounting surface aligning with associated second apertures on said bucket. A gasket with a plurality of first holes aligned with first and second apertures is disposed between the bucket and the filler.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant, suitable for implantation to the human body, comprising a shell and a gel filling, wherein the shell comprises an innermost layer and at least an additional layer; wherein the innermost layer is in contact with the gel; wherein the innermost layer is adapted to adhere to said gel.

Abstract: Packaging for a medical implant such as a hernia repair prosthetic material includes a carrier and a stiffener. The hernia repair prosthetic material is placed adjacent to the stiffener within the carrier. The carrier assembly is sealed within an outer pouch, such as a foil pouch, and sterilized. When the carrier is being removed from the pouch in preparation for surgery, the stiffener helps prevent the carrier assembly from contacting non-sterile portions of the pouch.

Abstract: A system for heart valve repair includes a packaging assembly for storing the replacement heart valve. The packaging assembly includes a valve support having a base for holding the replacement heart valve, a ring positioned within the valve support and configured to fit around a circumference of the replacement heart valve, and a retention mechanism. The retention mechanism includes a cap and plurality of sutures configured to be attached to the cap and to the replacement heart. The packaging assembly having a locked configuration in which the ring and the valve support are locked together and the sutures tension the replacement heart valve. The packaging assembly is designed to hold and transport a replacement heart valve and fits within a shipment jar.

Abstract: An implant insertion device includes: a tubular body having a distal portion that is insertable into subcutaneous tissue and an insertion hole that extends proximally from the distal portion in an axial direction; an elongated implant configured to promote tissue regeneration by attachment of cells; and an elongated body that is accommodated in the insertion hole of the tubular body and is configured to move along the insertion hole of the tubular body and to protrude from the distal portion of the tubular body. The elongated body is configured to advance with respect to the tubular body and thereby push a distal portion of the implant in a distal direction from the insertion hole of the tubular body.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to controlling a bioprinted tissue. A set of sensor data collected from one or more sensors associated with a bioprinted tissue is received. The set of sensor data is analyzed to determine whether a condition for controlled movement of the bioprinted tissue is met. A control signal is issued to a set of expansive elements to perform the controlled movement in response to determining that the condition for controlled movement of the bioprinted tissue is met.

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: The present invention refers to a medical device for tensioning grafts in orthopedic reconstruction of ligaments comprising two subsets: the force applicator subset and the adapter subset. The first subset comprises two identical and symmetrical side arms and uses a helical spring system with a brake to quantify the tensile force. Each side arm comprises a rack (9) linked with a helical compression spring (4), a guiding axle (1), a suture wire securing part (8) and an outer chute (10) in which the rack (9) slides. The adapter subset has a “U” shape and comprises an alignment cone (17) which engages in the graft housing tunnel for controlling the direction of the traction force, and a fixation system composed of an adapter (16), by spikes (19) to be adjustable to the anatomical region and to promote a stable fixation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fixating a graft in a bone tunnel are provided. In general, the system includes a tissue fixation device having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, at least one graft retention loop coupled to the tissue fixation device, and a drill pin having a sidewall surrounding a cavity at a proximal end of the pin and at least one longitudinally oriented opening in the sidewall in communication with the cavity, the cavity being configured to fully seat the tissue fixation device. The drill pin is configured to substantially contain therein the tissue fixation device when in the delivery configuration and to enable deployment of the tissue fixation device through the opening. Drill pins configured to contain a tissue fixation device are also provided.

Abstract: A gravity sensitive silicone breast implant is provided which, in various embodiments, has a soft, natural feel and adapts shape after implantation responsive to gravity, according to movements of the patient.

Abstract: A posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens including a central optical part, a peripheral haptic part including a plurality of support elements arranged to lie on a ciliary zonule of an eye, and at least one flexible haptic including a reticulated distal region arranged to lay into a ciliary sulcus of the eye.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) injector with speed regulation for inserting an IOL into a capsular bag of an eye includes an injector body, a cavity, a cartridge ending at a distal end in an injection nozzle, the injector body, the cavity and the cartridge having a channel extending in axial direction, and an axially movable pusher rod advanced by a spring through a shaft, the pusher rod being arranged in the channel of the injector body for pushing the IOL in axial direction out of the cavity and into the cartridge the injection nozzle and finally into the capsular bag of the eye. The pusher rod is engaged with a mechanical speed regulator to limit the maximum speed of injection of the IOL into the eye up to a preset maximum speed for IOL injection, and the speed regulator system is responsive to a user actuation on a lever.

Abstract: An optical article of manufacture and a method of making the article of manufacture are disclosed. The article of manufacture includes an optical component including a junction between a first region having a first optical power and a second region having a second optical power. The first optical power is different from the second optical power. The article further includes an occlusion ring included in the optical component and aligned with the junction. The method includes forming a thin film polymer layer on a substrate. The method further includes forming an occlusion ring on the thin film polymer layer. The occlusion ring has an inner occlusion ring region and an outer occlusion ring region. The method further includes forming an outer wire grid polarizer on the outer occlusion ring region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trifocal artificial ophthalmic lens (20), which contains an anterior side optical surface (21), a posterior side optical surface (22) and an optical axis (23), at least one of the anterior side optical surface (21) and the posterior side optical surface (22) contains an optics having three useful focal points and having an at least partially diffractive profile. The three useful focal points correspond to focal points (31, 32) belonging to the 0th and 1st diffraction orders of the diffractive profile, and to a focal point (33) belonging to an enhanced diffractive secondary peaks between the 0th and the 1st diffraction orders. The invention also relates to a method of producing the aforementioned trifocal artificial ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a curvature-changing, accommodative intraocular lens (IOL) for implantation in the capsular bag of a patient's eye. The IOL includes a fluid optic body having a cavity for containing an optical fluid, the cavity at least partially defined by a sidewall extending around the cavity and defining a diameter of the cavity and a deformable optical membrane intersecting the sidewall around a circumference of the sidewall and spanning the diameter of the cavity. The IOL further includes a second optic body spaced a distance apart from the fluid optic body and a plurality of struts extending from the sidewall and coupling the fluid optic body to the second optic body. The struts are configured such that axial compression of the capsular bag causes the struts to deform the sidewall in a manner that increases the diameter of the cavity, modifying a curvature of the deformable optical membrane.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic device has two anchor portions. Each anchor portion is configured to attach the prosthetic device to a native valve leaflet. The two anchor portions can be opened both simultaneously by a single actuator and can also be opened independently by two or more separate actuators.

Abstract: A method of treating mitral valve stenosis in a human heart includes advancing a delivery apparatus through a right femoral vein, across a septal wall, and through a calcified mitral valve. A prosthetic heart valve is provided along a distal end portion of the delivery apparatus, wherein the prosthetic heart valve includes a metallic frame having a plurality of tissue-engaging elements positioned along an exterior surface and a leaflet structure for replacing the function of the calcified mitral valve. The prosthetic heart valve is radially expanded within an annulus of the calcified mitral valve such that at least some of the tissue-engaging elements of the prosthetic heart valve embed into the annulus. After radial expansion, the prosthetic heart valve is retained in position within the annulus via the tissue-engaging element and the leaflet structure replaces the function of the native mitral valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transapical implantable mitral valve device, which includes an outer valve stent comprising an outer valve stent body that is composed of a plurality of first structure units arranged in the circumferential direction and an anchoring unit that is disposed on the outer valve stent body for anchoring the mitral valve device in a human body, at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the outer valve stent body being covered with an outer skirt; an inner valve stent disposed inside the outer valve stent and interconnected with the outer valve stent, a cavity being formed between the outer valve stent and the inner valve stent; and a valve leaflet structure disposed in the inner valve stent to form a prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve may include an expandable stent having a plurality of struts forming cells connected to one another in a plurality of annular rows around the stent, a cuff attached to an annulus section of the stent by cuff sutures that have a plurality of stitches extending through material of the cuff and looping around the struts, and a plurality of leaflets each having a belly attached to the cuff within an interior region of the stent. The leaflets may together have a coapted position occluding the interior region of the stent and an open position in which the interior region is not occluded. The belly of each leaflet may be attached to the cuff by leaflet sutures extending in a path that crosses some of the struts in overlap zones. Those struts may be devoid of the stitches within the overlap zones.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening leaflet prosthetic valve devices having a leaflet frame and a leaflet construct including one or more leaflets. In some examples, the leaflet construct is coupled to the leaflet frame via a retention element. In some examples, the retention element is in the form of an outer frame that is coaxially arranged with the leaflet frame.

Abstract: Devices and methods for reinforcing a regenerative heart valve are provided. A reinforcing element can provide structure and rigidity to withstand stresses that occur within the aortic root. In some instances, a support ring is attached to a regenerative heart valve. In some instances, a tubular wall is provided surrounding a regenerative heart valve.

Abstract: A method includes advancing apparatus including a core toward a patient's heart valve. The core tapers in a distal direction toward the smallest perimeter of the core. The apparatus includes a first ventricular arm, which is articulatable with respect to a first atrial arm at a first articulation site, and a second ventricular arm, which is articulatable with respect to a second atrial arm at a second articulation site. The articulation sites are adjacent to the smallest perimeter. The tapering of the core defines a minimum nonzero angle of the atrial arms with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the core. The method also includes clamping the first and second leaflets between the respective atrial arms and the respective ventricular arms. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve system includes a prosthetic heart valve having an inflow side, and an outflow side. The heart valve further includes a base at the inflow side, a plurality of commissure posts and valve leaflets secured to the commissure posts to permit flow through the heart valve. An anti-loop member has a first portion on the inflow side of the heart valve and a second portion on the outflow side of the heart valve. The second portion of the anti-loop member is arranged along each commissure post at the tip of each commissure post, and arranged along at least one commissure post twice to form a loop around all of the commissure posts. The anti-loop member is made of a material sufficiently flexible to be removed from the commissure posts without damaging the heart valve yet rigid enough to retain its shape when coming in contact with sutures.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve assembly, according to one embodiment, comprises a frame assembly including a plurality of struts and a prosthetic valve secured inside the frame assembly by sutures. At least one of the plurality of spaced struts contains at least one hole that passes from one side of the at least one strut to another side of the at least one strut and a recess disposed around the hole.

Abstract: A method of deploying an implantable stented device in an anatomical location of a patient, including the steps of providing a delivery system with first and second stent engagement structures at its distal end, attaching a first structural element of the stented device to the first stent engagement structure and attaching a second structural element of the stented device to the second silent engagement structure, advancing the stented device to an implantation site, and sequentially disengaging the first structural element of the stented device from the first stent engagement structure of the delivery system and then disengaging the second structural element of the stented device from the second stent engagement structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a prosthetic atrioventricular valve (10) for coupling to a native atrioventricular valve (12). The prosthetic valve includes a support frame (20) and a covering (22), which at least partially covers the support frame. The support frame and the covering are shaped so as to define a downstream skirt (24). A plurality of prosthetic leaflets (40) are coupled to at least one element selected from the group consisting of: the support frame and the covering. An elongated anchoring member (152) is positioned around the downstream skirt in a subvalvular space (150), such that the anchoring member presses native leaflets (30) of the native valve against the downstream skirt, thereby anchoring the prosthetic valve to the native valve. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the right atrium, which allow tricuspid valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic device includes a flexible hollow tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end. A first flexible portion extends from the proximal end to a middle portion. A second flexible portion extends from the middle portion to the distal end. A first pull wire attaches to the middle portion such that applying tension to the first pull wire causes the first flexible portion to bend in a first bend direction. A second pull wire attaches to the distal end such that applying tension to the second pull wire causes the second flexible portion to bend in a second bend direction. The first bend direction is offset from the second bend direction by about 160 to about 200 degrees.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to repair devices and methods for repair of regurgitant tricuspid valves. A repair method includes positioning a repair device at a tricuspid valve in a collapsed configuration. The repair device includes a proximal grasping assembly movable between a first position and a second position and a distal grasping assembly movable between a third position and a fourth position. An actuator rod operatively connected to each of the proximal grasping assembly and the distal grasping assembly so that distal movement of the actuator rod moves the proximal grasping assembly proximally and the distal grasping assembly distally.

Abstract: Methods are described for use with a valve of a heart of a subject, the valve having an annulus, a first leaflet and an opposing leaflet, the heart having an atrium upstream of the valve, and a ventricle downstream of the valve. A tissue anchor, and an implant that includes a flexible frame, are transluminally advanced to the atrium. The implant is deployed within the atrium. Via anchoring of the tissue anchor to the annulus of the valve, the implant is secured within the heart by a first part of the frame being secured to the annulus, such that the frame extends over the first leaflet toward the opposing leaflet with a first side of the frame facing the first leaflet. Part of the frame can be disposed between the first leaflet and the opposing leaflet. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A device (e.g., an annulus-constricting device) with N anchors may be affixed to a cardiac valve annulus as follows. First, the device is delivered to the vicinity of the annulus via a catheter. Next, the position and layout of the device is adjusted via the catheter. Next, only those anchors which are properly positioned are driven into the annulus or tissue adjacent to the annulus. The remaining anchors remain unlaunched at this point. The unlaunched anchors are subsequently moved into a good position using either a manipulating tool or catheter-steering techniques, after which they are driven into the annulus or tissue adjacent to the annulus.

Abstract: A penile implant enhancement device and method is provided. The penile implant device comprises an elongated cylindrical sleeve that is configured to encircle a shaft of a penis and an external layer. The elongated cylindrical sleeve is defined by one or more edges, surfaces, or layers, including a proximal edge, a distal edge, a first side, a second side, a top surface, and a bottom surface, and the external layer is configured to cover the one or more edges, surfaces, or layers of the sleeve to form one or more covered edges, surfaces, or layers. The covered edges, surfaces, or layers are configured to align with the penis.

Abstract: A genital implant enhancement device and method is provided. The genital implant device comprises an elongated cylindrical sleeve that is configured to encircle a shaft of a penis and an external layer configured to cover one or more edges, surfaces, or layers of the sleeve to form one or more covered edges, surfaces, or layers themselves configured to align with the penis. One or more of the cylindrical sleeve and external layers may define one or more functional layers configured operative to be antibiotic and/or antimicrobial, anti-adhesive, slick and/or lubricious, anti-inflammatory, and/or fluid reducing. The device and method may be adapted for other sexual organs such as a clitoris, scrotum, testicles, and vaginal labia.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a metal-ceramic composite joint prosthesis and applications and a manufacturing method thereof. The joint prosthesis comprises a metal body and a ceramic body, wherein the metal body is integrally formed and comprises a porous structure layer, a boundary layer and a root-like layer, the boundary layer is located between the porous structure layer and the root-like layer, the root-like layer comprises a plurality of root-like filament clusters connected to the boundary layer but not in contact with one another, each root-like filament cluster comprises a main root perpendicularly connected to the boundary layer and a plurality of fibrous roots connected to the lateral side of the main root, the fibrous roots extend obliquely towards the side away from the boundary layer, and the ceramic body covers the root-like filament clusters and is formed on the boundary layer.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a cartilage substitute, which includes at least one cartilage unit, the cartilage unit including: a base, including a subcutaneous layer portion forming contact friction with a corresponding skeleton, a deep layer area portion contacting with a target skeleton and an intermediate layer portion provided between the subcutaneous layer portion and the deep layer area portion. A fluid storage cavity is disposed in the subcutaneous layer portion. A first communicating passage is disposed in the subcutaneous layer portion. A second communicating passage is disposed in the intermediate layer portion, a third communicating passage is disposed in the deep layer area portion. The fluid storage cavity, the second communicating passage and the third communicating passage are disposed to gradually increase hardness of the subcutaneous layer portion, the intermediate layer portion and the deep layer area portion.

Abstract: Hard-tissue implants are provided that include a bulk implant, a face, pillars, slots, and at least one support member. The pillars are for contacting a hard tissue. The slots are to be occupied by the hard tissue. The at least one support member is for contacting the hard tissue. The hard-tissue implant has a Young's modulus of elasticity of at least 3 GPa, and has a ratio of the sum of (i) the volumes of the slots to (ii) the sum of the volumes of the pillars and the volumes of the slots of 0.40:1 to 0.90:1. Methods of making and using hard-tissue implants are also provided.

Abstract: Improved systems, methods, and devices for performing joint arthroplasty, including patient-adapted implant components and tools, as well as intraoperative measurement and optimization of joint kinematics are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an articular fossa prosthesis and an articular prosthesis with the articular fossa prosthesis. An outer cup of the articular fossa prosthesis is disposed in a target skeleton, a lining is disposed in the outer cup, an articular head structure may be movably disposed in the lining, a first communicating passage communicated with an articular capsule is disposed on the outer cup, a second communicating passage communicated with the articular capsule is disposed on the lining, and the first communicating passage is communicated with the second communicating passage to guide a synovial fluid to a contact surface between the lining and the articular head structure.

Abstract: The present invention is an internal osseointegrated transfemoral amputee implant device and related methods. The device is designed to restore the enclosed nature of the bone marrow system which is disrupted by amputation, plus provide a pressure tolerant (weight-bearing) surface and mechanical anchoring for the iliotibial band.

Abstract: Provided is a shoulder joint prosthesis. The shoulder joint prosthesis may include an outer cup, a lining, a ball head and a humeral shank, and the outer cup, the lining and the ball head are nested in sequence. Herein, the outer cup may include an outer cup body and a first limiting convex wall configured at an opening of the outer cup body, the outer cup body has a first spherical inner cavity. The lining may include a hemispherical housing body and a second limiting convex wall and a third limiting convex wall configured at an opening of the hemispherical housing body, the hemispherical housing body has a second spherical inner cavity, the second limiting convex wall and the third limiting convex wall limit the ball head to leave the second spherical inner cavity, and the hemispherical housing body is provided with a groove for avoiding the humeral shank.

Abstract: Spinal cage devices, systems, and methods of assembly and implanting the devices and systems are disclosed. The cage system includes a cage and at least one locking screw assembly configured to couple to the cage. The spinal cage system includes a cage with a body portion, an external plate, and a rod. The body portion includes at least one opening positioned between the first and second ends, a center opening in the first end, and at least one hole adjacent the center opening. The external plate includes an opening and at least two holes on opposite sides of the opening. The rod extends through the center opening in the cage, the first end configured to couple to the external plate, and the second end positioned in the at least one opening. Methods for assembling a spinal cage system and for implanting a cage system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Osteogenesis scaffold such as for spinal fusion or an intermedullary nail includes a number of arcuate struts. The scaffold may have a functional modulus of elasticity that is a result of the modulus of the material of the struts together with the architecture of the struts, and may be within the range of 5 GPa and 75 GPa. An anisotropy of a physical property such as stiffness, compressive strength or elastic modulus corresponds to the same physical property of native bone in the vicinity of the intended implantation site.