Abstract: A method for implanting a medical device for implantation in a mammal joint. The method comprising the steps of creating an opening reaching from outside of the human body into the joint, providing said artificial contacting surface to said joint, fixating the artificial contacting surface to the joint, implanting said reservoir in the human body, and lubricating the artificial contacting surface with use of a lubricating fluid contained in said reservoir.

Abstract: Methods for improving the wear performance of silicon nitride and/or other ceramic materials, particularly to make them more suitable for use in manufacturing biomedical implants.

Abstract: Systems are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joint. The systems include a drill guide adapted to create a pilot SI joint opening in the dysfunctional SI joint through an incision comprising a length no greater than 3.0 cm; portions of the pilot SI joint opening being disposed in the sacrum and ilium bone structures. The drill guide includes a tri-mode fixation system adapted to position and stabilize the drill guide during creation of the pilot SI joint opening in the dysfunctional SI joint and delivery of the SI joint prosthesis therein. The systems also include a SI joint prosthesis configured to be inserted into the pilot SI joint opening of the dysfunctional SI joint, and a prosthesis deployment assembly configured to engage the SI joint prosthesis and advance the SI joint prosthesis into the dysfunctional SI joint.

Abstract: Systems are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joint. The systems include a drill guide adapted to create a pilot SI joint opening in the dysfunctional SI joint through an incision comprising a length no greater than 3.0 cm; portions of the pilot SI joint opening being disposed in the sacrum and ilium bone structures. The drill guide includes a tri-mode fixation system adapted to position and stabilize the drill guide during creation of the pilot SI joint opening in the dysfunctional SI joint and delivery of the SI joint prosthesis therein. The systems also include a SI joint prosthesis configured to be inserted into the pilot SI joint opening of the dysfunctional SI joint, and a prosthesis deployment assembly configured to engage the SI joint prosthesis and advance the SI joint prosthesis into the dysfunctional SI joint.

Abstract: Prostheses are described for stabilizing dysfunctional bone structures. The prostheses have proximal and distal ends, and an expandable mid-region disposed therebetween. The expandable mid-region includes a plurality of deflectable elongate members that are configured and adapted to transition from a compressed configuration to a deflected configuration when released from a deployment apparatus, whereby the plurality of deflectable elongate members deflects outwardly when the elongated member is inserted into a pilot opening of a dysfunctional bone structure, whereby the plurality of elongate members exerts a retaining force on the internal surface of the pilot opening and secures the elongated member in the pilot opening and, thereby, the dysfunctional bone structure.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant includes a patella component having a metal base with a polymer bearing molded thereto. A method for making a patella component is also disclosed.

Abstract: A humeral head implant system includes a head component including a first articulating surface, a second bottom surface extending from the first spherical articulating surface, a first cavity extending a first distance into the head component from the second bottom surface, and a second cavity extending into the head component along a cavity axis. The head component defines a head axis extending through a center of the first articulating surface parallel to the cavity axis. A base component defines a slot extending from a first width to a second width. An insert component includes an insert body, a first engagement feature, and a slot engagement feature. The first engagement feature is received in the second cavity along the cavity axis. The insert body has an insert thickness less than the first distance, and the slot engagement feature slides into the slot in a direction transverse to the cavity axis.

Abstract: An implant assembly may include a first component having a proximal plate and a distal portion extending from the proximal plate, a first screw of a first type, and a first screw of a second type. The proximal plate may have a proximal face, a distal face configured to abut bone, and a periphery. The proximal plate may define a plurality of apertures. An opening may be defined by the proximal plate and extend through the distal portion. Each of the plurality of apertures may be disposed between the opening and the periphery. The first screw of the first type may be sized and configured to be received in the opening and engage bone. The first screw of the second type may be sized and configured to be received in at least one of the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: An interspinous posterior device (IPD) is described. The IPD has a body and bone fixation elements on either side of the body, each of said bone fixation elements having a ratchet locking mechanism for fixing the body to successive spinous processes of a mammalian vertebra. Each of the bone fixation elements is independently adjustable by ratcheting it separately and independently of the other bone fixation elements. The body of the IPD has a dynamic configuration and a non-dynamic configuration, wherein the dynamic configuration allows for both extension and flexion of the successive spinous processes and the non-dynamic configuration prohibits extension of the successive spinous processes. The IPD also includes a removable extension restriction block, wherein the extension restriction block can optionally be inserted in the body to prohibit extension or can be removed from the body to allow extension.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion cage implant is generally elongate and defines superior and inferior bearing surfaces. The inferior bearing surface has vertebral body engaging interferences and the superior bearing surface has a substantially smooth surface profile, sagittal plane convexity and sagittal plane curvature asymmetry. The sagittal plane convexity defines a saggital plane axis rising anteriorly with respect to a horizontal saggital plane axis. The superior bearing surface defines a central section having coronal plane convexity and lateral sections adjacent the central section.

Abstract: A method and system for performing bone fusion and/or securing one or more bones, such as adjacent vertebra, are disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant including a first substantially pyramidal-shaped wedge having: a first pair of laterally extending flanges, and a second pair of laterally extending flanges spaced from the first pair of laterally extending flanges; an upper body having an inferior surface, a superior surface, and a pair of recessed tracks for receiving the first pair of laterally extending flanges; and a lower body having a superior surface, an inferior surface, and a pair of recessed tracks for receiving the second pair of laterally extending flanges. The first substantially pyramidal-shaped wedge is movable between a first position and a second position within the recessed tracks of the upper body and the lower body. The intervertebral implant also includes a case housing the first substantially pyramidal-shaped wedge.

Abstract: The present invention provides 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. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion cage includes first and second endplate members, first and second ramp members, and an actuator. The first and second ramp members and first and second endplate members have complementary ramp surfaces that engage to expand the height of the fusion cage and to impart a lordotic profile to the fusion cage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for delivery of bone graft material in a patient's spine. The graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material to a disc space and without withdrawal from the surgical site. In various embodiments, the graft delivery device includes an elongate hollow tube configured to receive bone graft material, a plunger adapted to extend in the elongate hollow tube and urge the bone graft material through the elongate hollow tube, and an injection device (such as a syringe) configured to contain the bone graft material therein and to connect to an open proximal end of the elongate hollow tube, to discharge the bone graft material from the first injection device into the elongate hollow tube.

Abstract: A unicompartmental orthopedic knee implant may include a tibial tray having a body including a joint-facing side, a bone-facing side opposite the joint-facing side, and a channel provided in the bone-facing side. The bone-facing side includes a bottom surface and a bone-contacting layer applied to the bottom surface. The bone-contacting layer configured to contact a tibia. The channel extends through the bone-contacting layer. The tibial tray may also include a protrusion for insertion into a corresponding opening in the tibia, the protrusion extending from the bottom surface at a non-zero angle. The implant may also include a fixation element coupled to the bone-facing side of the body. The fixation element may include a rail for insertion into the channel of the body, a support extending from the rail, and a bone engagement feature connected to the support, the bone engagement feature including an edge operable to penetrate the tibia.

Abstract: A method of implanting a unicompartmental orthopedic knee implant may include positioning a tibial tray onto a resected patient's tibia, the tibial tray including a body having a joint-facing side opposite a bone-facing side, and inserting a tibial anchor guide into the body of the tibial tray, wherein the tibial anchor guide includes a slot. The method may further include forming a tibia channel in the patient's tibia by inserting a cutting device into the slot of the tibial anchor guide, removing the cutting device from the tibial anchor guide, and inserting a fixation element into the tibia channel, wherein compression is created between the bone-facing side of the body of the tibial tray and the tibia when the fixation element is inserted.

Abstract: A method of inserting a fastener into a fusion cage can include attaching a fastener head of a bone fastener to a flexible bone fastener driver. The method can also include inserting the bone fastener into a threaded throughhole of a fusion cage comprising a front wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a back wall, and top and bottom surfaces adapted for gripping opposed vertebral endplates, wherein the front wall comprises the threaded throughhole.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to shield guide assembly and methods for restoring functionality to a joint. The shield guide assembly disclosed herein include a shield dimensioned to block access through the shield onto an adjacent bone surface region during formation of one or more features along the surgical site.

Abstract: A device for ligament balancing includes a mount at a first end of the device and a head portion at a second end of the device, the head portion having a substantially planar surface, a first paddle, and a second paddle, wherein the first and second paddle are rotatable about a first longitudinal axis and a second longitudinal axis, respectively, relative to the substantially planar surface. The device further includes a stem extending from the head portion and a shaft extending between the stem and the mount. The mount includes a coupling portion configured to couple the device to a robotic device such that movement of the device is controlled by the robotic device.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to spinal treatments and, more particularly, to a trial inserter tool compatible with detachable trial heads for use in spinal surgery. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a system for sizing an implant to be used in posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. The system may comprise a trial inserter tool, wherein the trial inserter tool comprises: a body, wherein the body is an elongated tubular, wherein the body comprises a first end and a second end; an actuation device, wherein the actuation device is disposed on the body between the first end and the second end; and a hooked support member that extends from the second end of the body; and a trial head disposable on the hooked support member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an artificial knee joint which includes an upper part having an anterior side and a posterior side; a lower part mounted on the upper part so as to be pivotable about a knee axis and having an anterior side and a posterior side; a foot part arranged on the lower part; at least one sensor; a control device connected to the at least one sensor; and an actuator which is coupled to the control device and by means of which an achievable knee angle (KAmax) between the posterior side of the upper part and the posterior side of the lower part in the swing phase can be set by the control device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic device with an energy storage device 2 that comprises at least one cylinder 4, in which a first cylinder chamber 6, a second cylinder chamber 8, which is fluidically connected to the first cylinder chamber 6 by at least one fluid line 14, and a piston 10 are located, wherein the piston 10 is arranged relative to the cylinder 4 such that it can be displaced in such a way that by displacing the piston 4, an operating medium, which is a fluid, is conveyed through the at least one fluid line 14 from one cylinder chamber 6, 8 into the other cylinder chamber 8, 6, wherein the energy storage device 2 has at least one compensation volume 24, which is fluidically connected to the fluid line 14 via a fluid connection 22, and a first controllable valve 26, by means of which the fluid connection 22 can be opened and closed.

Abstract: A prosthetic system includes first and second parts rotatable relative to one another about a joint. The first and second parts are adapted to form at least part of a weight bearing connection between a prosthetic foot and a socket. A pump system includes a pump mechanism operatively connected to the first and second parts. Rotation of the first part and/or the second part about the joint moves the pump mechanism between an original configuration in which the volume of a fluid chamber defined by the pump mechanism is zero or near-zero, and an expanded configuration in which the volume of the fluid chamber is increased.

Abstract: A medical implant may include a structural member and a radiopaque marker. The structural member may include a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, an opening extending from the first surface to the second surface and defining a central axis, and a plurality of barbs extending into the opening toward the central axis. The barbs may be spaced apart from one another and spaced apart from each of the first surface and the second surface. The radiopaque marker may be disposed within the opening.

Abstract: An aneurysm embolization device can include a body having a single, continuous piece of material that is shape set into a plurality of distinct structural components. For example, the device can have an expandable component and an atraumatic tip portion extending therefrom. Further, the tip portion can be configured to enable the device to be implanted within the aneurysm while tending to mitigate risk of puncturing the aneurysm dome or otherwise assist in framing the aneurysm in advance of placement of additional embolic material.

Abstract: A vascular stent, which includes: a stent body including a plurality of ring-shaped units arranged at intervals and a connecting portion connecting all the ring-shaped units into a tubular structure, wherein the tubular structure has a first covered segment and a second covered segment that are provided with membrane, and an exposed segment configured for engaging the first covered segment and the second covered segment. The vascular stent is reliable in installation, which is beneficial to reduce pre-operation and post-operation adjustment work. The stent system can realize the reliable installation of the vascular stent, which is beneficial to improve the quality of the operation and reduce the operation time.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery system includes a stent graft and a thermal stent graft cutter for shortening the stent graft to a desired length in vivo. The thermal stent graft cutter is coupled to at least one of a stent graft cover at a distal longitudinal end of a cover body thereof, and the inner lumen tip of an inner lumen. A safety system allows activation of the stent graft cutter only when the stent graft is suitably sandwiched between the inner lumen tip and the distal end of the stent graft cover to inhibit inadvertent activation of the cutter and provide for proper cutting of the stent graft.

Abstract: A vascular implant, a delivery device and a medical apparatus are disclosed. The vascular implant includes a first engagement structure, and the delivery device includes the delivery shaft and a chamber. The delivery shaft includes a second engagement structure configured for detachable retaining engagement with the first engagement structure. Both the first engagement structure and the delivery shaft are configured to be received in the chamber. When the first engagement structure and the delivery shaft are received in the chamber, the first engagement structure is confined by the chamber and thus remains in retaining engagement with the second engagement structure, thus axially locking the vascular implant to the delivery shaft. When the first engagement structure is removed from the chamber, it is no longer confined thereby and is thus detachable from the second engagement structure, thus axially unlocking the vascular implant from the delivery shaft.

Abstract: An elongate delivery shaft assembly (30) includes an outer covering shaft (38) and an inner support shaft (40).

Abstract: An orthopedic device for treating musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb. The device includes a leg portion, a foot portion, and a toe portion. The leg portion is rotationally coupled to the foot portion at an ankle joint. The toe portion is rotationally coupled to the foot portion at a toe joint. The foot portion is selectively positionable relative to the leg portion at the ankle joint such that the foot portion may be arranged in a plurality of an ankle angles including plantarflexed and dorsiflexed positions. The toe portion is selectively positionable relative to the foot portion at the toe joint such that the toe portion may be arranged in a plurality of toe angles relative to the foot portion including plantarflexed and dorsiflexed positions.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a brace for supporting a spine of a patient. The brace includes an anterior panel, a posterior panel, lateral panels bridging between the anterior panel and the posterior panel, and an adjustable belt tightenable around the anterior panel, the brace selectively configurable to include either lateral panels attachable to the posterior, a posterior thoracic extension attachable to the posterior panel or a dorsal lumbar extension attachable to the posterior panel.

Abstract: An implantable fluid operated device may include a fluid reservoir configured to hold fluid, an inflatable member, and a pump assembly configured to transfer fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member. The pump assembly may include one or more fluid pumps and one or more valves. An electronic control system may control operation of the pump assembly based on fluid pressure measurements and/or fluid flow measurements received from the one or more sensing devices. The electronic control system may include an internal component installed with the implanted device, and an external component that is operable by a user to provide user input, and to receive output from the implanted device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention comprise a urostomy bag and an absorbent insert system, as well as methods for use. The urostomy bag comprises a storage bag having a primary aperture for interacting with a stoma on a device wearer, and a secondary aperture having a closure to seal and unseal the secondary aperture. The absorbent insert comprises a water-permeable outer layer that contains an absorbent core. The core includes a gelatinizing agent configured to make urine gelatinous. The absorbent insert is insertable into, and removable from, the inside of the storage bag via the secondary aperture. Methods for use of the disclosed urostomy system comprise attaching the urostomy bag to a wearer, inserting an unused absorbent insert into the secondary aperture, wearing the system, and replacing the used absorbent insert when required.

Abstract: An ostomy device includes a proximal side configured for attachment to a user, a distal side opposite to the proximal side, and a leakage detection sensor having electrically conductive circuitry supported on a support layer. The leakage detection sensor is configured to detect ostomy effluent by detecting a change in resistance in the electrically conductive circuitry. The ostomy device may be an ostomy appliance or an ostomy accessory.

Abstract: A medical device for use in collecting bodily waste material from a patient. The medical device includes a single pouch having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a waste receptacle defined between the first side and the second side, the waste receptacle adapted to hold the bodily waste material. The medical device also includes a ring non-removably coupled to the single pouch. The ring is reconfigurable between a first configuration, in which the ring is adapted to be attached to an orifice of the patient and defines an aperture that permits access to the waste receptacle, thereby fluidly connecting the waste receptacle to the orifice of the patient, and a second configuration, in which the ring prevents access to the waste receptacle.

Abstract: A vaginal shield assembly for protecting female genitalia from urine includes a panel that has a plurality of intersecting sides such that the panel has a triangular shape for positioning over female genitalia. The panel has a urine slot extending through the panel that is aligned with a urethra when the panel is positioned over the female genitalia. In this way the urine can pass through the urine slot. The panel is comprised of a fluid impermeable material to inhibit the urine from contacting the female genitalia. In this way the panel inhibits irritation that would develop from the urine contacting the female genitalia.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system, apparatus and method directed to an expandable and conformable targeted temperature management (TTM) pad. The system, apparatus and method pertain to a medical pad for exchanging thermal energy between a TTM fluid and a patient. The pad includes an insulating layer, a fluid containing layer for containing the TTM fluid, and a patient contact surface. The fluid containing layer is configured for circulating the TTM fluid. The patient contact surface defines a first patient contact area to facilitate thermal energy exchange with the patient. One or more slits are arranged in at least the insulating layer of the pad to facilitate stretching the pad and conforming to a contour of a patient's anatomy. The stretching can expand the patient contact surface to a larger second patient contact area. The pad can further include a flexible fabric cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-temperature treatment device capable of preventing nerve damage. The low-temperature treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention can comprise: a cooling pocket which is inserted and positioned in a rectum and which has a predetermined shape during expansion; and a circulation tube which has a passage through which fluid flows in and out and which is inserted into the cooling pocket so as to circulate the fluid in an inner space of the cooling pocket.

Abstract: An optical system for eye surgery, comprising at least a surgical microscope, an illumination unit for emitting illumination light, and a control unit. The surgical microscope is configured to output an observation mode signal indicating the employed observation mode and a mode-of-operation signal indicating the employed mode of operation, and the control unit is configured to receive the observation mode signal and the mode-of-operation signal from the surgical microscope and to output a change signal which prompts a change in the amount of light received by the at least one digital image sensor. The change signal is output only if the received observation mode signal and the received mode-of-operation signal indicate a predetermined combination of observation mode and mode of operation.

Abstract: A method for altering an eye color of a patient with a color alteration procedure is disclosed that may include imaging the iris with an image sensor prior to the color alteration procedure to generate an image of the iris. A mapping of the iris may be generated from the image. The mapping may include a number of regions corresponding to varying absorption coefficients of a treatment wavelength in the stromal pigment of the iris. A laser system may be set, based on the mapping, to deliver laser light at a laser power sufficient to cause elimination of at least a portion of stromal pigment in the iris. The laser light may then be delivered with the laser system.

Abstract: A system for altering the eye color of a patient with a color alteration procedure includes a laser system having a housing around at least one component of the laser system. The laser system also has a perimeter circuit configured to detect a breach of the housing based on the perimeter circuit being broken resulting in an electrical current flowing through the perimeter circuit being ceased or a change in resistance in the perimeter circuit. The system also includes software that detects, by the perimeter circuit, the breach based on the perimeter circuit being broken. The software also executes, based on the breach, an electronic lockout of the laser system such that the laser system cannot be operated without receipt of a command lifting the electronic lockout.

Abstract: A system for supporting and aligning a patient during a color alteration procedure includes a laser system that delivers a laser in a first direction. A control computer may be adjacent the laser system for controlling the laser system. The control computer system may include a user interface in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The system may include a patient support structure having a patient support surface extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and configured to be adjustable to set a patient position or alignment relative to the laser system. Coarse adjustment hardware may be configured to cause automated and/or manual adjustments to the patient support surface in the first direction. Fine adjustment hardware may be configured to cause automated fine adjustments to the patient support surface in the first direction based on instructions received from the control computer.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical system for controlling a temperature of a cornea of an eye for a surgical procedure comprises a fluid management system and a computer. The fluid management system manages fluid within a channel structure created in the cornea of the eye. The computer instructs one or more of the controllable components to create the channel structure in the cornea. The channel structure provides a passageway between an interior of the eye and an exterior of the eye, and is proximate to a treatment site. The computer instructs the fluid management system to manage fluid within the channel structure in order to control the temperature of the cornea of the eye.

Abstract: A system for ophthalmic surgery on an eye includes: a pulsed laser which produces a treatment beam; an OCT imaging assembly capable of creating a continuous depth profile of the eye; an optical scanning system configured to position a focal zone of the treatment beam to a targeted location in three dimensions in one or more floaters in the posterior pole. The system also includes one or more controllers programmed to automatically scan tissues of the patient's eye with the imaging assembly; identify one or more boundaries of the one or more floaters based at least in part on the image data; iii. identify one or more treatment regions based upon the boundaries; and operate the optical scanning system with the pulsed laser to produce a treatment beam directed in a pattern based on the one or more treatment regions.

Abstract: A device includes an image capture device directed towards a user's eye and a dispensing mechanism configured to receive an apparatus containing fluid. The image capture device is coupled to a controller that processes images of the user's eye captured by the image capture device to determine when the user's eye has been open for at least a threshold amount of time. An orientation sensor included in the device determines an orientation relative to vertical of the device. When the controller determines that the user's eye has been open for at least a threshold amount of time and that the device has an orientation within a specific range, the dispensing mechanism applies force to the apparatus storing fluid to dispense fluid. One or more sensors in the device detect when fluid has been dispensed.

Abstract: Glaucoma can be treated by implanting an intraocular shunt in the eye. The implantation can be performed by first determining an entry area below a corneal limbus of an eye. Thereafter, the intraocular shunt can be inserted into eye tissue through the entry area such that an inflow end of the shunt is positioned in the anterior chamber of the eye and an outflow end of the shunt is positioned between layers of Tenon's capsule.

Abstract: A method for altering an eye color of a patient with a color alteration procedure is disclosed that may include determining a laser power to deliver to stromal pigment in an iris of the eye of the patient by at least retrieving a set of laser criteria for delivery of an exposure less than 100 times a maximum permissible exposure that causes elimination of at least a portion of the stromal pigment. A laser system may be set to deliver laser light at the laser power which is less than the set of laser criteria and the laser light may be delivered with the laser system.

Abstract: There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for developing laser systems that can create precise predetermined clear corneal incisions that are capable of reducing induced astigmatism. The systems, apparatus and methods further provide laser systems that can provide these incisions at or below Bowman's membrane.

Abstract: A goggle lens is configured for use with a goggle frame having a frame body and a pair of frame engagement members positioned at respective lateral end portions of the frame body. The goggle lens includes a lens rim, and a lens element that is transparent to allow a user to view through the lens element. A pair of lens engagement members are coupled to respective lateral end portions of the lens rim. The pair of lens engagement members are selectively engageable with respective ones of the pair of frame engagement members. The pair of lens engagement members include a locking lens engagement member comprising a first element coupled to the lens rim, and a second element moveably coupled to the first element for facilitating selective engagement and disengagement with the respective one of the pair of frame engagement members.