Abstract: The embodiments provide various interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertion between adjacent vertebrae. The cages may contain an articulating joint to allow expansion and angular adjustment, and enable upper and lower plate components to move relative to one another. The cages may have a first, insertion configuration characterized by a reduced size at each of their insertion ends to facilitate insertion through a narrow access passage and into the intervertebral space. In their second, expanded configuration, the cages are able to maintain the proper disc height and stabilize the spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. The intervertebral cages are able to adjust the angle of lordosis, and can accommodate larger lodortic angles in their second, expanded configuration. Further, these cages may promote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: The embodiments provide various interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertion between adjacent vertebrae. The cages may contain an articulating mechanism to allow expansion and angular adjustment, and enable upper and lower plate components to glide smoothly relative to one another. The cages may have a first, insertion configuration characterized by a reduced size at each of their insertion ends to facilitate insertion through a narrow access passage and into the intervertebral space. In their second, expanded configuration, the cages are able to maintain the proper disc height and stabilize the spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. The intervertebral cages are able to adjust the angle of lordosis, and can accommodate larger lodortic angles in their second, expanded configuration. Further, these cages may promote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A device includes a core having proximal and distal ends and defining a first female thread. A drive screw includes first and second ends. The first end includes a first male thread. The second end including a second male thread that engages the first female thread. A first body includes a second female thread that engages the first male thread. A second body is coupled to the drive screw. A first plate is coupled to the core and the first body. The first plate includes a first vertebral engaging surface. A second plate is coupled to the core and includes a second vertebral engaging surface. The drive screw is configured to rotate relative to the core to simultaneously pivot the first plate relative to the core and alter a distance between the first vertebral engaging surface and the second vertebral engaging surface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an implant includes a body having a surface with a flexible pattern defined by a plurality of material segments including a first material segment and a second material segment. The first material segment abuts the second material segment. Further, the first material segment includes a first non-linear shape extending between a first end and a second end while the second material segment includes a second non-linear shape extending between a first end and a second end. The two material segments are interconnected such that one of the first end and the second end of the first non-linear shape is interconnected with one of the first end and the second end of the second non-linear shape.

Abstract: An implant assembly including an expandable vertebral body replacement implant. Two outer cores disposed on opposing ends of an inner are configured to move away from each other when the inner core is actuated. The implant assembly may include removable endplate configured to engage vertebral bodies as interbody spacer or through a corpectomy. The implant may include a locking mechanism to prevent collapse or movement the implant assembly after implantation. The locking mechanism may be automatically engage after removal of an inserter instrument from the implant assembly.

Abstract: An intervertebral cage with an outer frame, an open inner core region and a porosity gradient within the outer frame is provided. The outer frame includes a posterior wall, an anterior wall, a pair of side walls extending between the posterior wall and the anterior wall and the porosity gradient may comprise at least one of: a decreasing average pore diameter in a direction from an outer surface to an inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls; an increasing average pore diameter in a direction from an outer surface to an inner surface of at least one of the pair of side walls; a decreasing average pore diameter in a direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of at least one of the side walls; and an increasing average pore diameter in a direction from an upper surface to a lower surface of at least one of the side walls.

Abstract: Technologies for determining seating of an orthopaedic implant during an orthopaedic surgical procedure includes an impaction sensor and an impaction analyzer. The impaction sensor produces sensor data, in response to an impaction between an orthopaedic mallet and a surgical tool indicative of an initial impact and a secondary impact of the impaction. The impaction analyzer analyzes the sensor data to determine a temporal length between the initial and secondary impacts and determines whether the orthopaedic implant is sufficiently seated into the bone based on the temporal length.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a biomechanical finger brace assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a coupling tip, a proximal ring configured to concentrically receive a user's finger, a distal ring configured to concentrically receive the finger, and a rocker formed in an H-shape. The distal ring and the rocker are pivotally suspended between a proximal coordinated pivot point anchored on the proximal ring and a distal coordinated pivot point anchored on the coupling tip, such that movements of the finger within the proximal ring articulate the distal ring together with the rocker to articulate the coupling tip. The coupling tip may include an open end or an enclosed recess to accept a minimally-amputated or non-amputated finger. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a prosthetic leg including a modular knee element coupled to a modular ankle element. The modular knee element includes a knee motor rotatable about an axis of a shaft in the knee motor. The modular ankle element includes a drive portion coupled to a surface-contacting portion via a pylon having a top and bottom end. The top end is coupled to the drive portion and the bottom end is coupled to the surface-contacting portion. The drive portion includes an ankle motor coupled to a rotary series elastic actuator (RSEA) and a first pulley coupled to the RSEA. The surface-contacting portion includes a hinge and a second pulley with a belt engaging at least a portion of at least one of the first and second pulley, and a modular foot element coupled to the bottom of the hinge.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket system comprising a prosthetic socket and a liner, said prosthetic socket having a distal end region, at least one socket wall extending therefrom in proximal direction, and connection means for securing a prosthetic component. The socket wall, when in the applied state, at least partially enclose a stump that is received in the prosthetic socket The liner includes a proximal entry opening and a lateral wall which extends in the distal direction, at least partially surrounds a stump when in the applied state and is arranged between the stump and the prosthetic socket when in the applied state. A coupling device is arranged between the liner and the prosthetic socket in the distal end region, and, on the outer side of the lateral wall of the liner and on the inner side of the socket wall, resistance regions are arranged or formed which interact with one another and which counteract a movement extracting said liner out of the prosthetic socket, in the proximal direction.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed that has an elongated body composed of a bioabsorbable polymer having a proximal end, a distal end, two open spiral channels formed on the exterior surface of the body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. The stent also has a central lumen open at the proximal and distal ends of the stent for the passage of a guide wire. A method for using the stent and a kit containing the stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical implant including an expandable framework configured to shift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, the expandable framework comprising a plurality of interconnected struts defining a plurality of cells; and an occlusive element connected to the expandable framework and having an inner surface and an outer surface. The expandable framework may include a plurality of securement members projecting from the plurality of interconnected struts. One of the inner surface or the outer surface of the occlusive element may be in contact with the plurality of interconnected struts, and the other of the inner surface and the outer surface not in contact with the plurality of interconnected struts may lie against an opposing surface of each of the plurality of securement members. A tip portion of the plurality of securement members may not extend radially outward of the plurality of interconnected struts.

Abstract: A system for treating a body lumen including a first stent configured to be positioned in a body lumen and a second stent configured to be positioned in the lumen of the first stent prior to removing the first stent from the body lumen. The first stent includes a liner disposed radially inward of the tubular scaffold of the first stent to permit tissue ingrowth within a tissue ingrowth region defined between the liner and the tubular scaffold. The retrieval stent is configured to be expanded within the previously implanted first stent to cause tissue to recede from the tissue ingrowth region to facilitate removal of the first stent from the body lumen.

Abstract: An implant delivery device includes a holder, a guide rod, and a sliding handle. One end of the guide rod is connected to the holder, and the other end of the guide rod penetrates the sliding handle. Multiple first engagement structures axially spaced apart from each other are disposed on an outer surface of the guide rod. The delivery device also includes a position locking device disposed in the sliding handle. The position locking device includes a tooth block) and an elastic component. The tooth block is sleeved on the guide rod and is provided with a second engagement structure. The elastic component and the tooth block cooperate to allow the first engagement structures and the second engagement structure to engage with each other allowing an implant to be in a release-locked state. These and other elements allow for the implant to be gradually released or release-locked.

Abstract: A method for implanting a prosthesis centrally within a curved lumen includes loading a prosthesis into a delivery sheath, advancing the sheath in a patient towards the curved lumen to place at least the proximal end of the prosthesis within the curved lumen, and centering the proximal end of the prosthesis and/or the distal end of the sheath within the curved lumen. In a first advancing step, the outer catheter containing the inner sheath is advanced together towards the curved lumen to a location proximal of the curved lumen and, in a second advancing step, the inner sheath containing the prosthesis is advanced into the curved lumen to place at least the proximal end within the curved lumen while the outer catheter substantially remains at the location. After centering, the proximal end of the prosthesis is deployed centered within the curved lumen.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal device for treating obesity includes a three-dimensional porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration to facilitate delivery and an expanded post-deployment configuration. The porous structure includes a first opening at its proximal end and a larger second opening at its distal end. The porous structure also includes a sleeve coupled to its distal end. Optionally, the device further includes a suture at the proximal end of the wire mesh structure to facilitate retrieval and an anti-migration component positioned at the junction of the porous structure with the sleeve. The porous structure is deployed in a patient's stomach such that the anti-migration component sits proximal to the patient's pylorus and prevents migration of the entirety of the device into and through the pylorus. The sleeve extends through the pylorus, into the duodenum and ends in the duodenum or jejunum.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (100) for placement of a movement restriction device (10) for use in a surgical procedure for treating reflux disease in a patient. The instrument comprises a sleeve (113) and a holding device (111) configured to engage the movement restriction device, wherein the holding device is configured to be placed within the sleeve and be displaceable in relation to the sleeve. The instrument further comprises a first handling portion (101) connected to the sleeve, and a second handling portion (102) connected to the holding device. The handling of at least one of the first and second handling portion creates relative displacement of the holding device in relation to the sleeve, which disengages the holding device from the movement restriction device for performing the placement of the movement restriction device.

Abstract: A dental appliance including a dielectric substrate with one or more electric areas having one or more integrated circuits, one or more electric lines, and optionally one or more shielding lines. The dental appliance further includes one or more ground areas including one or more ground pads, one or more sensing areas including one or more sensing pads, and optionally one or more shielding pads. The dental appliance is configured to monitor dental contact, dental forces, and/or for detecting teeth clenching and/or grinding.

Abstract: A condom comprising a continuous elastic tubular wall with a closed distal end and an open proximal end and further improving features. In one embodiment the condom further comprises a teat at the closed distal end, wherein the teat comprises a neck and a head, and wherein in use, the teat is retained partially or fully inside of the continuous elastic tubular wall, and the teat forms a chamber that is tillable with a fluid or phase change formulation which is released externally in use.

Abstract: A rectocele device having a rectocele handle with a first static paddle removably affixed to a rectocele paddle connector at a paddle connector end. A second static paddle is configured to replace the first static paddle after the first static paddle is removed from the rectocele paddle connector. The first static paddle is configured and sized to fit within a human vagina wherein the first static paddle is only removable from the handle distal end when the first static paddle is not deployed in the human vagina. The first static paddle is shaped differently from the second static paddle. The first or second static paddle is inserted in a human vagina (by a woman using the rectocele device) wherein the first or second static paddle can be leveraged against a rectocele via the rectocele handle thereby pushing the rectocele bulge back into the colon so that the woman can evacuate a bowel more efficiently.

Abstract: A rapid contrast therapy system can provide cold, heat/hot/warm (hereafter referred to as “hot”), and/or rapid contrast therapy, which involves rapidly alternating between cold therapy and hot therapy. The system can circulate cold or hot fluid, such as water, through a hose, into a therapy wrap, and then back to the fluid reservoirs of the system. The system can utilize a vapor compression system or other chiller technology to cool the cold water reservoir, and immersion heaters can be used to heat the hot water reservoir.

Abstract: An endorectal cooling device (ECD) includes an elongated body, a cooling fluid circuit, and a gas bubble removal device. The elongated body includes an insertable portion for insertion into a patient's rectum and an external portion that remains external to the rectum. The cooling fluid circuit is defined in the elongated body from the external portion to the insertable portion and circulates cooling fluid to regulate a temperature of a cooling surface on the insertable portion. The gas bubble removal device can include a coil, a tube, a mesh, and/or a hole that is disposed on or defined in the insertable portion of the elongated body, such as the cooling surface. A low-pressure source, such as a vacuum pump or a Venturi structure, can be fluidly coupled to the gas bubble removal device to remove fluid and bubbles by a suction force after the ECD is inserted into the rectum.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and kits for ocular drug delivery are described herein. An apparatus can include a housing, an energy storage member, a barrel, and a hub. The housing contains the energy storage member. A proximal end portion of the barrel is coupled to a distal end portion of the housing. The barrel is configured to contain medicament and includes at least a portion of a piston and an elastomeric member. The piston is configured to move the elastomeric member within the barrel in response to a force produced by the energy storage member. The hub is coupled to a distal end portion of the barrel. An inner surface of the hub defines a nozzle through which the medicament flows when the elastomeric member moves within the barrel. The nozzle and the energy storage member are collectively configured to produce a fluid jet to access a target location within an eye.

Abstract: An ocular implant is provided. In some embodiments, the ocular implant includes a body that is curved about a longitudinal central axis and a distal body portion that defines a longitudinal channel including a channel opening. The implant is sized and configured such that the ocular implant assumes an orientation in which the channel opening is adjacent a major side of Schlemm's canal when the ocular implant is disposed in Schlemm's canal. Methods for delivering ocular implants into Schlemm's canal are also provided. Some methods include covering openings in the ocular implant, advancing the implant into Schlemm's canal while at least some of the openings are covered, and uncovering the openings while the distal portion of the implant is disposed in Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide hydrodissection and/or PCO prevention or reduction in a patient undergoing eye surgery. In one embodiment, the invention is a surgical device for cutting and excising a portion of tissue, for example in performing a lens capsulotomy. A capsulotomy tip is inserted into an eye through an incision in the surface of the eye. The capsulotomy tip includes a suction cup to provide suction to the lens capsule. Then suction is applied via the suction cup to secure the capsulotomy tip to the eye. In some embodiments, after the capsulotomy tip is secured to the lens capsule, a cutting element of the capsulotomy tip is used to cut a tissue of the eye. Fluid is pushed through the capsulotomy tip and the capsulotomy tip is removed from the eye. Moreover, disclosed is an intraocular lens (IOL) to be used in conjunction with the surgical device.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed for cutting tissue, including for performing a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. This device includes a reversibly collapsible cutting element for cutting a portion of a capsule membrane of the eye. The cutting element includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a bottom layer that has a higher electrical resistance than the electrical resistance of the outer layer and the inner layer. The bottom layer is configured to conduct an electrical current between the outer layer and the inner layer, which causes a temperature increase in the bottom layer for cutting tissue.

Abstract: A device is described herein for performing capsulotomies that improves temperature uniformity and current flow around a cutting element of the device. The device includes a series of features whose geometries help remove cold and/or hot spots from the cutting element while maintaining the mechanical strength of the cutting element. In an embodiment, a device includes a cutting element and one or more electrical leads for providing an electrical discharge to the cutting element. The device further includes wire tabs configured to conductively couple an electrical lead to cutting element. Each wire tab includes a central conductive path and one or more conductive shunt paths conductively separated by one or more slots. The device further includes anchor tabs that are each associated with a slot disposed along the circumference of the cutting element and positioned to at least partially separate an anchor tab from a portion of the cutting element.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to implantable medical devices for draining fluid from a first body region to a second body region. Some embodiments of the present technology provide adjustable devices that are selectively titratable to provide various levels of therapy. For example, the adjustable devices can have a drainage element with a lumen extending therethrough, a flow control element, and an actuation assembly. The actuation assembly can drive movement of the flow control element to change a dimension of and/or a flow resistance through the lumen, thereby increasing or decreasing the relative drainage rate of aqueous from an eye. In some embodiments, the actuation assembly and the flow control element together operate as a ratchet mechanism that can selectively move the flow control element between a plurality of positions and lock the device in a desired configuration until further actuation of the actuation assembly.

Abstract: A sleep mask is created comprising a sleep mask cover that can accommodate a weighted mask component and a thermal mask component. The sleep mask cover may include a fastening mechanism at the opening which may be removably engaged or disengaged to disable or enable, respectively, access to the opening for insertion of the weighted mask component and the thermal mask component. The weighted mask component may include a set of eye panels that are devoid of weight material to prevent unwanted pressure on a human user's eyes when the sleep mask is worn around the head of a human user. Further, the weighted mask component may include a pocket for insertion of the thermal mask component.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to negative pressure treatment systems and wound dressing systems, apparatuses, and methods that may be used for the treatment of wounds. In particular, some embodiments are directed to improved wound dressings comprising a number of viewing portals that facilitate observation of wound tissue or healthy skin underlying the wound dressing. Some embodiments of the viewing portals are provided by forming through holes in internal dressing layers including absorbent material and transmission material, optionally by providing a plug material within the through holes, and by providing translucent or transparent cover layer and tissue contact layer materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses, systems, methods for monitoring wound pH are disclosed. In some embodiments, a wound dressing includes one or more optical sensors configured to measure a change in color of a pH-sensitive adhesive that changes color in response to changes in wound exudate pH. In some embodiments, the wound dressing may further comprise hydrophilic channels that direct wound exudate to a pH-sensitive material over the optical sensors. Such dressings may also be used in combination with a negative pressure wound therapy system.

Abstract: Connectors and devices for flexible negative pressure systems are described.

Abstract: A multi-action wound dressing for accelerated wound healing by means of multi-therapeutic action is disclosed. The dressing comprises a porous sheet (101); two flexible sheets (102) having a first sheet (103) and a second sheet (104) attached to each other; multichannel conduits (105) or a plurality of single channel conduits; multichannel tubes (106), side adhesive tapes (107) and an optional wound contact layer (108). The porous sheet (101) includes a top planar surface (201), thickness (202) and a bottom uneven surface (203). The bottom uneven surface (203) lies on the surface of the wound and may have surface patterns (204). The pattern (204) may be wavy patterns and/or any other regular and/or irregular surface protrusion that allow intermediate gaps between wound surface and the bottom surface (203) of the porous sheet through which fluid can flow over the wound surface.

Abstract: A method for providing successive individual combination belt structures each comprising a fastening component includes providing a machine-direction continuous strip of web material having a pair of machine-direction outer side edges, opposing side margin portions, and a cross-direction width therebetween. The web material is conveyed along the machine direction to fastening component process equipment to continuously affix successive fastening components to the web material. The web material is conveyed to cross-direction cutting equipment to cut individual combination front belt structures from the web material along predominately cross-direction cut lines.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Methods herein may include an anvil adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation, wherein first and second spreader mechanisms adjacent the anvil roll are axially and angularly displaced from each other with respect to the axis of rotation. During the assembly process, a substrate may be advanced in a machine direction onto the rotating anvil. The first spreader mechanism stretches a first elastic material in the cross direction, and the second spreader mechanism stretches a second elastic material in the cross direction. The stretched first and second elastic materials advance from the spreader mechanisms and onto the substrate on the anvil roll. The combined and elastic materials may then be ultrasonically bonded together on the anvil to form at least one elastic laminate.

Abstract: An article including a front region, a back region, and a chassis. The chassis may include an absorbent core having a front end edge and a back end edge. The front region and the back region may extend laterally outward beyond side edges of the chassis. The front region and the back region may abut to form a first seam and a second seam. At least one of the front region and the back region may include an elastic member. A first outer nonwoven layer of the front region and a second outer nonwoven layer of the back region may be folded to form an upper edge in the front and back regions such that a distal end of each of the first and second outer nonwoven layer may be disposed between the upper edge and the front and back end edges of the absorbent core, respectively.

Abstract: A system of pantiliners and menstrual pads that can be used to alleviate undesirable conditions associated with dysmenorrhea or other physiological conditions is provided. The pantiliners of the invention include a top layer of composite material, a ventilation layer, and a bottom layer of breathable material. The menstrual pads of the invention include a top layer of composite material, an air-laid layer, a layer of super adsorbent polymer inside the air-laid layer, a ventilation layer, and a bottom layer of breathable material. The present system of pantiliners and menstrual pads is helpful in providing a decrease of pain and other unwanted symptoms during a menstrual cycle. In another advantage, the right placement guide and the left placement guide are provided to assist in placing the menstrual pads of the invention accurately in relation to the undergarment of the user.

Abstract: Provided are a composite sheet whose recess-protrusion shape can easily be made crush-resistant in a state that the soft feel against the skin is maintained, and a device and method for manufacturing said composite sheet. A first sheet has a curved part in which one surface thereof rises and the other surface thereof is recessed, and a boundary part adjacent to the curved part. A second sheet is joined to the boundary part of the first sheet so as to cover the other surface of the curved part. A region of the second sheet facing the curved part has a protruding part in which an inside surface on the first sheet side rises so as to approach the curved part and an outside surface on the reverse side thereof is recessed, and a flat part surrounding the periphery of the protruding part.

Abstract: An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet; first and second opposing longitudinal side edges, a front waist region and a back waist region; and a first and second back ear extending outwardly from the first and longitudinal side edges in the back waist region, respectively. The first and second back ears have an engineering strain greater than about 8% at about or below 2N of force when measured according to the Back Ear Extension Test, and a roughness Ra lower than about 300 ?m when measured according to the Roughness Test.

Abstract: A first aid trauma kit case that provides for a means of treating specific trauma injuries related to massive bleeding and tension pneumothorax. An embodiment of the first aid trauma kit case contains as part of its architecture an easily readable format for identifying an injury location and instructions, that are integrated as part of the case, on how to apply certain specific medical devices contained within the case. An embodiment of the case also provides for a color-coded identification system for easy identification of the preferred treatment method for the suffered trauma injury. The design of the integrated instructions and the color-coded system work in tandem to provide for a quick method of identifying and treating specific types of trauma related injuries.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bath lift with a rotating seat assembly to assist an individual with decreased mobility in and out of a bathtub. The rotating seat includes an assembly that can be raised or lowered using a DC powered linear actuator. The linear actuator will also move a backrest from an upright position to a reclined position. A controller includes logic to prevent operation should the batteries have insufficient power to raise the seat assembly. Slip resistant padding is comprised of medical-grade, closed cell, molded polyurethane padding that does not absorb water and reduces the risk of skin tears.

Abstract: Devices for bringing a person that has fallen to the ground to an upright position comprise frames adapted to receive a person's body after a person has achieved a lying position, inflatable bladders attached to the frames on which the person's body rests when the bladders are in an uninflated state, the bladders being inflatable from a first position to a second position, and fittings attached to the inflatable bladders for receiving hoses to allow the inflatable bladders to be inflated from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A system for safely containing an infant on a mattress is described. The system includes a base that supports the mattress and panels that extend upwardly from the base and together form an enclosure around the mattress. A porthole is defined through at least one of the panels, where the porthole provides access into the enclosure. A porthole door has locked and unlocked positions and covers the porthole only in the locked position. A detection system detects when the porthole door is in the unlocked position. A lighting system is operatively coupled to the detection system and is configured to emit light when the porthole door is detected to be in the unlocked position. A power system provides energy to the lighting system for emitting the light.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining and maintaining a center of rotation are provided. A center of rotation may be determined based on first information about a robotic region of interest of a robot and second information about a patient region of interest. An operating table having multiple degrees of freedom may be caused to rotate about the center of rotation from a first position to a second position. A control system may be caused to control the robot based on the operating table being in the second position.

Abstract: A system for positioning a patient before, during or after a medical procedure can include an arm assembly having a proximal end, an opposing distal end, and at least one joint therebetween. The joint can be configured to permit the distal end of the arm assembly to move with respect to the proximal end of the arm assembly. The proximal end of the arm assembly can be configured to be fixed with respect to a surgical table. The system can also include a ball joint mechanism attached to the distal end of the arm assembly and to a head support configured to support a patient's head. The ball joint mechanism can include a ball joint and a motor. Activation of the motor can permit or prevent movement of the ball joint.

Abstract: A limb support apparatus and corresponding methods for making same are disclosed. The limb support can comprise a shell for supporting a patient's limb during treatment, examination, and/or recovery. The shell can comprise at least one padding configured to protect the patient's limb. The padding can be secured to the shell using one or more mounting structures included in the padding. The mounting structures are configured such that they are received by corresponding mounting openings and/or features in the shell. An interference fit between the mounting structures and mounting openings/features secures the padding against the shell, thereby preventing the padding from inadvertently moving or sliding on the shell. Embodiments disclosed herein eliminate the need for traditionally used fasteners that are often difficult to clean and sterilize, thereby improving the quality of patient care and facilitating cleaning of patient and/or operating rooms.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to intelligent garments that provide thermal regulation in a variety of environments. The garments may include different layers such as a hydrophobic layer in direct contact with a wearer's skin surface and saturated with an aqueous mixture, a spacer layer, a reflective layer, and an outer hydrophobic layer. The layers of the garment may work together to reduce the metabolic expenditure of the wearer in extreme environmental conditions or during demanding physical activity. A variety of sensors may be displaced throughout the garments so as to enable the collection of data associated with wearers as well as environmental conditions. Wearers may control the thermal balance and other properties of the garments as desired.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion apparatus is provided that includes a thigh support (40) connected by a hinge structure (38) to a base plate (36). The plate (36) is itself connected to a base (34). A bladder (54), which inflates to the form of a vertically elongate column, is cyclically inflated and deflated to lift the thigh support (40) in movements about a hinge (46) connecting it to an upper hinge plate (42) of the hinge structure (38). The hinge structure also includes a lower hinge plate (44). A foot support (72) is connected by a cord (68) to the thigh support (40).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to improved massage chairs that include air cell apparatuses. A massage chair can include at least one air cell apparatus, which can be integrated into a shoulder portion, leg rest portion, arm portion, and/or other portion of the massage chair. An inflatable air bladder can be connected to each air cell apparatus. Each air cell apparatus can transition between a retracted position and an extended position. The air cell bladder can be configured to inflate when the air cell apparatus is in the extended position, thereby securing an individual to the massage chair. Various assemblies can be used to transition the air cell apparatus between the retracted and extended positions. Other embodiments are disclosed.