Abstract: A vaginal device and method of preventing urinary incontinence is disclosed. The device includes a longitudinal portion having a geometrical centre line, a first end and a second end, the first end being the innermost of the vaginal device during use, at least one supporting portion protruding from the longitudinal portion at the first end, the at least one supporting portion being configured to support against the urethra, through the vaginal wall, at a site located adjacent the maximal urethral pressure point, and a reference member protruding from the longitudinal portion at the second end, wherein the reference member during use is fixated against the vaginal introitus, holding the vaginal device securely fixated inside of the vagina and ensuring the at least one supporting portion is arranged at the intended site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a strip for reducing involuntary urine leakage associated with male urinary incontinence. The strip comprises a first pad and a second pad. The strip also comprises a bridge that is configured to couple the first pad to the second pad. The strip additionally comprises an adhesive coupled to the first pad and the second pad. The first pad, the second pad, and the bridge are made of a non-resiliently flexible material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sleeve for reducing involuntary leakage of a flowable material from a urethral meatus of a penis. The sleeve comprises a body that is configured to temporarily receivably retain a glans penis. When the glans penis is temporarily receivably retained by the body, the body applies an inwardly-directed pressure to the glans penis to close a urethral meatus of the glans penis.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a device and a method for controlling fecal incontinence. The device of this invention is easily inserted into the rectum, and is designed for remaining where required in the rectum, above the dentate line and hemorrhoidal vein area, despite the peristaltic movements of the intestine.

Abstract: A control assembly for implantation in a patient comprises a first unit adapted for subcutaneous implantation at a first side of a body tissue of said patient, a second unit adapted for implantation in a body cavity of said patient at a second side of said body tissue, wherein at least one of the first and the second unit is adapted to control an implanted powered medical device, and an interconnecting device adapted for mechanical interconnection of the first and second units to keep the assembly in place by the body tissue, the interconnecting device having a cross-sectional area which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first unit and the second unit in a plane parallel to the extension of the body tissue.

Abstract: A medical tool for placement in a digestive tract lumen includes a tubular portion, which opens at two ends, and an annular attachment portion, which is configured to be fixed to at least a part of the tubular portion and be capable of installing the tubular portion in the digestive tract lumen. The tubular portion is placeable along the digestive tract, has a side surface that is capable of conforming to the shape of the inner wall of the digestive tract, and allows digestive juice or digested contents to permeate. The attachment portion is configured to be placeable in the stomach through the mouth.

Abstract: A flow diversion device for treating branch point aneurysms that includes a wire stent frame comprising a plurality of wire elements, the wire stent comprising a proximal limb and two distal limbs, wherein the proximal limb and the two distal limbs converge at a crotch of the wire stent frame. The plurality of wire elements may be braided together. The flow diversion device may have a substantially Y-shape or T-shape. The flow diversion device may be manufactured by using two tubular flow diversion devices to make a Y-shaped flow diversion device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating composition for an in-vivo implantable prosthesis including a photoinitiator, a crosslinking agent, and a phosphorylcholine (pc) monomer having an acrylate group, a method of coating an in-vivo implantable prosthesis using the coating composition, and a cosmetic prosthesis coated with the crosslinked polyphosphorylcholine. An in-vivo implantable prosthesis coated with crosslinked polyphosphorylcholine may be manufactured by a simple method of applying a coating composition including a photoinitiator, a crosslinking agent, and a phosphorylcholine (pc) monomer having an acrylate group according to the present invention, and then irradiating uv rays. The crosslinked polyphosphorylcholine coating may provide hydrophilicity for the surface and may also remarkably reduce adsorption of proteins and fibroblasts, which may cause side effects such as capsular contracture.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (TOL) for implantation within a capsular bag of a patient's eye comprises an optical structure and a haptic structure. The optical structure comprises a planar member, a plano convex member, and a fluid optical element defined between the planar member and the plano convex member. The fluid optical element has an optical power. The haptic structure couples the planar member and the plano convex member together at a peripheral portion of the optical structure. The haptic structure comprises a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the fluid optical element and a peripheral structure for interfacing to the lens capsule. Shape changes of the lens capsule cause one or more of volume or shape changes to the fluid optical element in correspondence to deformations in the planar member to modify the optical power of the fluid optical element.

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: A double heart valve anchoring system can include a first anchor having at least a portion configured to be secured within a first trans-septal opening in an interventricular septum, a tricuspid valve device coupled to the first anchor, and a mitral valve device coupled to the first anchor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for repairing a regurgitant heart valve are provided. A blocking component is fastened to a regurgitant valve such that the blocking component situates within the aperture of a regurgitant valve to mitigate the backflow across the valve. A variety of blocking components, fasteners, and delivery systems are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and function of a compressible valve replacement prosthesis, collared or uncollared, which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed focuses on the deployment of a device via a minimally invasive fashion and by way of example considers a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferably utilizing the intercostal or subxyphoid space for valve introduction. In order to accomplish this, the valve is formed in such a manner that it can be compressed to fit within a delivery system and secondarily ejected from the delivery system into the annulus of a target valve such as a mitral valve or tricuspid valve.

Abstract: A method includes advancing a delivery assembly through a patient's vasculature toward a native heart valve of the patient, wherein the delivery assembly comprises a first catheter assembly and a second catheter assembly extending through a shaft of the first catheter assembly, and wherein a support member is in an uncoiled, elongated configuration within a sheath of the first catheter assembly. The support member is deployed from the sheath by pushing the second catheter assembly distally relative to the first catheter assembly so that the support member is uncovered by the sheath and the support member extends around native chordae tendineae and/or native leaflets of the native heart valve. A prosthetic valve is implanted within the native leaflets of the native heart valve such that the native chordae tendineae and/or native leaflets are frictionally engaged between the support member and the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: The invention is a cardiac implant, and associated methods therefore, configured to repair and/or replace a native heart valve, and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded/changed form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein. The implant may be configured to have a generally rigid and/or expansion-resistant configuration when initially implanted to replace/repair a native valve (or other prosthetic heart valve), but to assume a generally non-rigid and/or expanded/expandable form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon. The implant may be configured to have a generally D-shaped configuration when initially implanted, but to assume a generally circular form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to prosthetic valves and methods and systems for deploying, positioning, and recapturing the same. A prosthetic valve includes one or more support structures. At least one of the one or more support structures defines an elongate central passageway of the prosthetic valve. The prosthetic valve can also include a plurality of leaflet elements attached to at least one of the one or more support structures and disposed within the elongate central passageway for control of fluid flow through the elongate central passageway. At least one of the one or more support structures is configured to biodynamically fix the prosthetic valve within a native valve such as, for example, a native tricuspid valve of a heart.

Abstract: Medical devices that can be delivered in a first, flexible configuration and subsequently locked into a second, rigid configuration are provided. The device comprises an elongate body having a plurality of slots openings along a bending portion of the body. Using a tension member to shorten the distance between two points along the elongate body causes the device to curve. The device can be locked into the curved configuration.

Abstract: An anchor for securing medical devices within a patient and/or sealing an opening in a body structure can be deployed via a catheter. The anchor may include a distal plate, and proximal plate, and a bridge portion connecting the plates. The anchor may include a tensioning member which can pull the plates together in order to secure the anchor in place and/or seal the opening in the body structure. A single anchor can be used, or multiple anchors, to secure tethers and other medical devices within a patient.

Abstract: A heart valve annulus repair device having a tissue engaging member and a plurality of anchors. The tissue engaging member includes a loop of wire. Each of the anchors has a pointy front end and a back end and a slot that runs in a front-to-back direction. The anchors are distributed about the loop of wire with the front ends of the plurality of anchors facing the heart valve annulus and with the loop of wire passing through the slots. The device further includes means for implanting the anchors into the heart valve annulus tissue so that the tissue engaging member becomes affixed to the heart valve annulus.

Abstract: A valve planning tool comprising: (a) a stem having a distal end and a proximal end, (b) an anchor indicator located at the distal end, and (c) a balloon located proximal of the anchor indicator, the balloon including: (i) a retracted state and (ii) a deployed state; wherein the balloon is inflatable from the retracted state to the deployed state and the balloon is substantially non-compliant so that the balloon is only inflatable to one size.

Abstract: An intercalary prosthesis for spanning portions of a long bone includes a first intramedullary component that has a first stem and a first connector disposed at one end of the first stem. The first stem is configured to be received within an intramedullary canal of a long bone. A second intramedullary component has a second stem and a second connector disposed at one end of the second stem. The second stem is configured to be received within an intramedullary canal of the long bone. The prosthesis also includes a connector component. The connector component has a body that includes opposing ends each with a connector configured to respectively connect to the connectors of the first and second intramedullary components. The body also has an outer shell and an inner lattice structure disposed within and connected to the outer shell.

Abstract: A graft cage includes cross-sectional portions and longitudinal members. Each portion includes base transverse members forming a cage base; a first arm including first arm transverse members; a second arm including second arm transverse members; base connecting struts, each base connecting strut extending between first one and second one of the base members; first arm connecting struts, each first arm connecting strut extending between a first one of the first members and a second one of the first members; and second arm connecting struts, each second arm connecting strut extending between first one and second one of the second members. The longitudinal members connect the portions to one another. Intersections of the portions with the longitudinal members forming pores in the first and second arms. The pores receive an arm tip of a further graft cage therein to interlock the cage with the further cage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an intermediate segment (20) for arrangement between a concave implantation surface (14) of a joint component (10), particularly a femoral prosthesis, and bone tissue. The intermediate segment (20) comprises an intermediate segment body (23) with at least one side (24, 25) facing the joint component (10), wherein one (24) of the at least one side facing the joint component is convex. In addition, the intermediate segment (20) comprises a locking mechanism for attaching the intermediate segment to the joint component with at least a first (21) and a second (32) latching element, wherein at least one of the latching elements (21, 32) is movable. The present invention also relates to a joint component (10) comprising an intermediate segment (20) and a method for securing an intermediate segment (20) to a joint component (10).

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 prosthesis assembly is provided that includes a base member that has a helical structure and one or more pathways. The helical structure extends between a first end and a second end. The pathway is accessible from the second end and is directed toward the first end through the helical structure. The pathway is located inward of an outer periphery of the helical structure, e.g., adjacent to an inner periphery of the helical structure. The pathway extends in a space between successive portions of the helical structure. The prosthesis assembly includes a locking device that has a support member and an arm that projects away from the support member. The arm is configured to be disposed in the pathway when the support member is disposed adjacent to the second end of the base member. The arm is disposed through bone in the space between successive portions of the helical structure when the prosthesis assembly is implanted.

Abstract: An expandable interbody spacer for the spine is provided. The interbody spacer includes a housing, upper and lower endplates, an anterior actuator, a posterior actuator, an anterior drive screw, and a posterior drive screw. The anterior and posterior drive screws are independently or simultaneously rotated with respect to each other by a driver to wedge one or more of the anterior and posterior actuators between the endplates moving them into parallel and/or angular expansion.

Abstract: An expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. The intervertebral implant may be configured to transition from a collapsed configuration having a first width and a first height to an expanded configuration having a second width and a second height.

Abstract: A bone graft delivery system and method for using same to deliver graft material into a surgical site. The system includes an interbody implant having a securing site disposed on a surface of the implant and a holder having an elongated, hollow handle including a distal end. The distal end of the holder is configured to removably engage the securing site of the interbody implant to secure the interbody implant to the distal end of the holder until such time as a user desires to disengage the holder from the interbody implant. The interbody implant may be a cage implant having opposing anterior and posterior surfaces, opposing first and second lateral surfaces, and opposing top and bottom surfaces, wherein the top surface comprises a first aperture and the bottom surface comprises a second aperture, the posterior surface comprising a third aperture, the first, second, and third apertures all linking to a main cavity, the main cavity generally extending between the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: A variable lordotic interbody spacer including a face plate, superior and inferior endplates coupled to the face plate via a hinge, an actuation frame between the endplates, and an actuation screw. The face plate includes actuation and stabilizer channels. Each of the endplates has endplate arms coupled by an endplate base, and includes actuation ramp recesses. The actuation frame includes frame arms coupled by a frame base in a generally U-shaped configuration, each actuation frame arm having a stabilizer feature passing through a corresponding stabilizer channel and having actuation ramp pins fitted to a corresponding ramp recesses. The actuation screw passes through the actuation channel, with a head retained at the front surface and a threaded end coupled to the actuation frame. When operated, the actuation screw moves the actuation frame between the superior endplate and the inferior endplate to adjust an angle therebetween.

Abstract: An expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. The intervertebral implant may be configured to transition from a collapsed configuration having a first width and a first height to an expanded configuration having a second width and a second height.

Abstract: A method for instant lumbar spine fusion between two vertebrae in a patient includes establishing under X-ray fluoroscopy the location of the transpedicular notch of the next lower vertebra in caudal direction, making a percutaneous incision to the transpedicular notch, inserting a cannulated guide, drilling a transpedicular approach from the pedicle of the lower vertebra to the anterior part of the vertebral body of the vertebrae above the disc to be treated, inserting a working cannula through the previously drilled approach reaching the intervertebral disk, cleaning and scrapping the intervertebral disk space, inserting transpedicularly at least one intervertebral stabilizing screw, and acting on both intervertebral screws with screwdrivers in order to distract or contract both screws allowing to adjust or correct the intervertebral distance of the disk. The method can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer is disclosed having a main body and an articulating component that is pivotally mounted within an opening of the main body. The intervertebral spacer is designed to be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process without the use of any frangible support material between a main body of the intervertebral spacer and an articulating component of the intervertebral spacer. To this end, an article of manufacture is provided in which supports are formed prior to forming intervertebral spacer. The supports are configured to support the main body and the articulating component such that they can be separately, but simultaneously manufactured using an additive manufacturing process atop the supports, without the need for any frangible support material therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed are interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertion between adjacent vertebrae. The cages may have integrated and deployable anchors that allow the cage to have a first, insertion configuration characterized by a reduced size to facilitate insertion through a narrow access passage and into the intervertebral space. Once implanted, the anchors of the cages may be deployed to enable better fixation to bone. The cages may promote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Impact instrument for joining prosthetic implants, comprising a housing which accommodates a striker pin, a first spring element associated with the striker pin, a release device and, at least in part, a striking piece, wherein the striking piece projects from the housing at an end face, wherein the release device is movable between a fixing position and a release position, wherein the striker pin is spaced apart from the striking piece the fixing position, wherein the release device moves automatically from the fixing position to the release position when the striking piece moves axially into the housing, in order to release the striker pin once the release position has been reached, so that the latter moves in the direction of the striking piece, accelerated by the first spring element.

Abstract: An implantable electronic device (12) and an endoprosthesis activity monitoring system (10) with a knee prosthesis (11) are developed. Knee prosthesis (11) has at least two blind cavities (35.1, 35.2), one in a lateral aspect of a femoral component (11.1) or tibial component (11.2), within which devices (12) are removably mounted and remote device (18) in wireless communication with devices (12) to receive data transmitted from it. Devices (12) are configured to track movement of the prosthesis (11) and to report same to the remote device (18). Devices (12) are self-contained and include an accelerometer (13), memory (15), a wireless communication module (14), processor (17) and a battery (16). Activity information analysed allows for early diagnosis of implant specific problems like loosening of the prosthesis. Location of devices (12) in the lateral aspects improves accessibility. Devices can be removed by minor surgery without compromising structural integrity of the knee prosthesis.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer inserter includes a sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a hollow sleeve bore extending through the sleeve along the longitudinal axis, a sleeve tip end and an opening of a passage disposed in the sleeve tip end. The passage extends into the sleeve to the sleeve shaft along a passage axis that intersects the longitudinal axis at an angle less than about 90°. A sliding tip with an elongated slot is in contact with the sleeve tip end and is moveable with respect to the sleeve tip end between a first position with the opening accessible through the elongated slot and disposed adjacent a first end of the elongated slot and a second position with the opening accessible through the elongated slot and disposed adjacent a second end of the elongated slot opposite the first end.

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 example of the present disclosure, a system may be configured with a prosthetic liner configured to be worn over a residual limb of a user where the prosthetic liner comprises a first one or more programmed magnets. The system may be further configured with a prosthesis comprising a prosthetic socket configured to receive the residual limb and the prosthetic liner where the prosthetic socket comprises a second one or more programmed magnets. The first one or more programmed magnets are magnetically attracted to and repelled by corresponding ones of the second one or more programmed magnets when the prosthetic liner is received within the prosthetic socket.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed, which includes a stent body and a single-radiopaque component disposed at one or each of a proximal end and a distal end of the stent body. The stent body is composed of rings and struts, and one part of the single-radiopaque component is received in a receptacle of the stent body and another part of the single-radiopaque component protrudes out of a surface of the stent body. The area of the protruding part of the single-radiopaque component is larger than an area of the embedded part, the presence of the protruding part allowing the single-radiopaque component to appear wider and thicker in a radiologic image, enhancing the radiopacity of the stent during surgery.

Abstract: An illustrative stent may comprise an elongated tubular member having a first end and a second end and an intermediate region disposed therebetween. The elongated tubular member may include at least one flexible tie affixed to an end thereof. The tie may allow the stent to be attached to a lumen wall with a clip, such as a retention clip, to inhibit migration of the stent within the body lumen.

Abstract: An illustrative stent may comprise an elongated tubular member having a first end and a second end and an intermediate region disposed therebetween. The elongated tubular member configured to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The elongated tubular member may comprise at least one twisted filament, such as a knitted filament having a plurality of twisted knit stitches with intermediate rung portions extending between adjacent twisted knit stitches, or a plurality of helical filaments twisted with a plurality of longitudinal filaments.

Abstract: A stent and method of making incorporating flexible, preferably polymeric, connecting elements into the stent wherein these elements connect element(s) across an intervening space. The polymeric connecting elements are designed to fold within the space between the outer diameter of the stent and the inner diameter of the stent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an endovascular device having an undulating pattern of struts and loops. In a first aspect of the invention, the endovascular device comprises a main stent component having a tubular shape and a first end and a second end, said device having a first radiopaque marker and a second radiopaque marker each having a shape with at least two distinct profiles when viewed from different angles, said markers positioned on the main stent component to be offset by less than 180 degrees relative to the other. In a second aspect, the endovascular device has a particular stent pattern, where at least one strut has a bend in the crimped profile for reducing the compressed diameter having the following features. The strut configuration comprises one or more bent sections facing in opposite convex and concave orientations, thereby creating a space or hollow for an oppositely aligned portion of the device to nestle therein as the device is compressed.

Abstract: A drainage stent delivery system is disclosed. The drainage stent delivery system includes a catheter body, a stent member, and a coupling member. In some embodiments the coupling member can include keyed connectors having a non-round shape to facilitate a 1:1 rotation ration of the catheter body and the stent member. In another embodiment, the coupling member can include a telescoping connector having an inner tube and a release wire disposed through the inner tube. A distal portion of the release wire has an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the inner tube such that the telescoping connector can be displace by the release wire. In another embodiment, the stent member includes a proximal retention member having arms that are outwardly extendable.

Abstract: Systems, methods and accompanying apparatuses to treat critical limb ischemia through the superficial femoral arteries utilizing a specifically designed delivery package for entry proximal to area above the ankle with the capability to antegrade access via PT or AT into ankle and foot and retrograde access via pedal or plantar arch into the dorsalis pedis artery (DP).

Abstract: A delivery catheter includes a tip, a spindle and a lock mechanism. The tip includes a tapered portion and a tip sleeve. The tip sleeve extends proximally and has a lumen. The spindle includes a plurality of spindle pins. The lock mechanism locks the tip sleeve to the spindle to prevent relative longitudinal movement between the spindle and the tip sleeve. The delivery catheter includes a delivery configuration with the tip sleeve covering the spindle pins and a release configuration with a proximal end of the tip sleeve distal of the spindle pins. The lock mechanism locks the prosthesis delivery system in the release configuration. Each spindle pin of the plurality of spindle pins includes a smooth, curved profile.

Abstract: A wearable device an intelligent health promotion service system (IHPSS) is disclosed. One embodiment of the wearable device (10) is configured to interface plurality groups of skin-mounted sensor pads (130) over a body part (140) of a wearer, and comprises: a modular brace (110) structurally separated from the sensor pads, and a plurality of sensor modules (120). The modular bracing is provided with a plurality groups of orienting slots (111) arranged thereon configured to maintain intra-group orientation between the sensor pads, and is configured to allow inter-group distance adjustment between the groups of the sensor pads over the body part of the wearer. The plurality of sensor modules is configured to be detachably coupled to the groups of sensor pads through the orienting slots in the modular bracing member. The sensor modules are provided with physiological sensing circuits wirelessly communicative with the intelligent health system.

Abstract: A foot movement limiting device for limiting a foot movement via the ankle joint, and to a correspondingly configured shoe for limiting a foot movement via the ankle joint. The foot movement limiting device includes a support arrangement for supporting on a lower leg or from proximally on the ankle bone, a retaining arrangement for retention on a foot and at least one attachment element for limiting a relative movement between the support arrangement and the retaining arrangement.

Abstract: An joint orthosis such as an ankle foot orthosis for controlling joint movement is disclosed, and a method of manufacture. The joint orthosis comprises: a hinge for controlling joint movement in at least one direction; wherein the hinge comprises at least one resiliently deformable portion, and wherein the resiliently deformable portion is configured to resiliently deform in response to at least the joint movement in the at least one direction, to resist further joint movement in the at least one direction.

Abstract: A non-injurious restraint for securing a person to an object comprising a flexible strap comprised of, or including a substantially cut-resistant webbing associated with a strip of steel interlinked rings and reinforcement cables. A locking mechanism including one or more projections or pins adapted to engage the interlinked rings in forming a fixed length loop. The strap adapted to be secured to the object with the loop adjusted to encircle the limb, and wherein the locking mechanism locks the length of the loop. A webbing for use in such restraints.