Abstract: Gag reflex when a mouthpiece of an oral care device contacts the posterior oral cavity is reduced by provision of a projection on the handpiece that contacts the user's skin in such a way that gag reflex is reduced or eliminated due to stimulation of nerves in the user's face. In an embodiment, the projection has a tip that contacts the user's face on or near the groove between the lower lip and the chin, exerting mechanical pressure, vibration, or electrical stimulation, which stimulates nerves to reduce the gag reflex.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a low-cost toothbrush with a simple-to-manufacture design that provides a tapping motion of the brush head. In an embodiment, a dental cleaning device includes an eccentric rotating mass motor and a drive shaft mechanically coupled to the motor. A spring element is mounted to the drive shaft in a configuration in which it acts in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. The spring element and drive shaft form an assembly having a resonant frequency. A power source supplies to the motor power sufficient to cause the motor to operate near the resonant frequency of the assembly.

Abstract: An embolic filter device has a catheter portion having a front open end and a rear open end, a wire having a capture tip end, the wire for insertion into the rear open end through the catheter portion and out the front open end, a pair of expanding arms with each arm being captured within the capture tip end, and a mesh canopy connected to the pair of expanding arms.

Abstract: A therapeutic device includes a tubular body including a lumen extending therethrough, a wall of the tubular body including a first composite layer, a second composite layer; and a reservoir between the first and second composite layers, the reservoir being configured to receive and contain a biological moiety. In another embodiment, a therapeutic device includes a toroidal therapeutic device having a first opening therein and a hollow interior, the toroidal therapeutic device having a wall including a first permeable composite layer, a second permeable composite layer, and a reservoir between the first and second composite layers, the reservoir being configured to receive and contain a biological moiety.

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

Abstract: Devices and methods for joining a first and second tissue in a patient are disclosed that include a base with a plurality of recurved tines oriented to a tine axis and extending from a first surface of the base. The tines provide unidirectional traction of the first tissue along the tine axis toward the first surface. The first tissue is secured to the first surface of the device at the plurality of recurved tines and the second tissue is secured to the device at a second surface opposite the first surface to join the first and second tissues.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an implant system for securing tissue to bone, including a first fixation member releasably engaged to a first inserter, the first fixation member having a throughbore adapted to accept a filament therethrough and a cannulation extending from a proximal end of the first fixation member to a distal end of the first fixation member, the first inserter positioned through the cannulation and having a distal tip extending distally beyond the distal end of the first fixation member, and a second fixation member releasably engaged to a second inserter different from the first inserter, the second fixation member having a size capable of being positioned within the bonehole.

Abstract: An intraocular optic assembly can include a plurality of stanchions and at least one optic. Each of the stanchions can extend between a respective base and distal ends. The base ends can be disposed in spaced relation to one another about a first arcuate periphery. The distal ends can be disposed in spaced relation to one another about a second arcuate periphery. The first arcuate periphery can have a greater radius than the second arcuate periphery. The at least one optic can have a central optic axis, an anterior side, a posterior side, and a center disposed between the anterior side and the posterior side through which the central optic axis extends. The at least one optic can be connected with each of the plurality of distal ends whereby the center of the optic is moved along the central optic axis in response to contraction of the first arcuate periphery.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) 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: Lenses and methods are provided for improving peripheral and/or central vision for patients who suffer from certain retinal conditions that reduce central vision or patients who have undergone cataract surgery. The lens is configured to improve vision by having an optic configured to focus light incident along a direction parallel to an optical axis at the fovea in order to produce a functional foveal image. The optic is configured to focus light incident on the patient's eye at an oblique angle with respect to the optical axis at a peripheral retinal location disposed at a distance from the fovea, the peripheral retinal location having an eccentricity between ?30 degrees and 30 degrees. The image quality at the peripheral retinal location is improved by reducing at least one optical aberration at the peripheral retinal location. The method for improving vision utilizes ocular measurements to iteratively adjust the shape factor of the lens to reduce peripheral refractive errors.

Abstract: Intraocular lens delivery devices and methods of use.

Abstract: A rhinological implant for straightening the human septum has a central bridge section, which is flat or bent upward in a barrel-shaped manner, with two side sections on both sides of the bridge section, which extend upwards in a folded manner and symmetrically to the central bridge section at an angle ? of in each case about 90°, and which each have a first subsection which connects directly to the central bridge section and extends parallel thereto, a second subsection, which connects to the respective first subsection and extends at an angle relative thereto, and a third subsection that connects to an end of the respective first subsection opposite the respective second subsection, and extends also at an angle relative to the respective first subsection.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The stent includes a plurality of cells, each cell being formed by a plurality of struts, and a plurality of commissure features. The heart valve further includes a valve assembly secured to the stent and including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets, each leaflet being attached to adjacent commissure features and to the stent struts and/or the cuff.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a prosthetic valve that is designated for implantation at a patient's native heart valve, including a valve ring having a plurality of ring segments, each of the segments being hingedly coupled to an adjacent segment at a pivot joint. The valve ring is placed adjacent to a surface of the native heart valve, the prosthetic valve having been coupled to the valve ring. In an expanded state thereof, the valve ring defines a ring, all of the pivot joints being disposed in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the ring. The valve ring is foldable into a shape that has a generally circular cross-section that defines and surrounds at least in part a central lumen, by folding the segments with respect to each other, at the pivot joints. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Valve repair devices and systems configured to detect proper valve leaflet insertion. The device/system can have a pair of paddles and a clasp attached to each of the paddles. The clasps can have a fixed arm attached to the paddle, a movable arm connected to the fixed arm that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The device can have an indicator that can move between not engaged by a leaflet and engaged by a leaflet conditions to indicate capture of a leaflet of the native valve. The indicator can be compressible. The indicator can be flattenable. The indicator can include one or more marker.

Abstract: A penile sleeve device (PSD) that is an implantable subcutaneous penile shaft silicone rubber apparatus which has several functions such as to elongate, thicken, harden, straighten and custom shape a penis by enhancing penile girth and lengthening. One version of the PSD is a glans sleeve penile device (GSPD) having an elongated member having a C-shaped distal portion, a transitional portion and a shorter arcuate proximal portion and a pair of longitudinal edges with transversely-oriented V-cuts therein. A long term bio-implantable synthetic netting/mesh layer is formed into a mesh cover that fits closely around the GSPD to allow the patient's body to have granulation tissue form to the mesh cover to bind it to the penile skin dermis underside when implanted. For proper thickness of the mesh cover, silicone sheets can be secured underneath the mesh layer. Other PSDs, disclosed herein, can also use the mesh cover for same purposes.

Abstract: A bone plate system includes a bone plate with an elongated shaft portion and a head portion connected to and monolithic with the elongated shaft portion. The bone plate includes a bone contacting bottom surface and an opposite top surface, at least one hole extending from the upper surface to the bottom surface, and a window extending from the upper surface to the bone contacting bottom surface. The window is sized and shaped to receive a tamp or other tool that may access the bone through the window. Methods of repairing a bone fracture are also disclosed, including using the tamp to correct the articular surface of the bone and to inject a bone graft material into a bone void.

Abstract: An acetabular spacer device, of a type that is temporary and disposable, adapted to be implanted in use in a bone cavity placed at a joint of the human body, such as a hip or shoulder joint, has a cup-like shape, substantially hemispherical, and includes a first convex surface, adapted to be positioned at the bone cavity, a second concave surface, which defines a cavity, further includes at least one pharmaceutical or medical substance, such as at least one antibiotic, adapted to treat during use an ongoing infection in the bone cavity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cartilage restoration. A 3-dimensional anatomic map is obtained for a recipient joint tissue that includes a normal area and a diseased area. A 3-dimensional patient-specific graft model is developed that will restore the diseased area to its healthy form. A 3-dimensional anatomic map is obtained for a donor joint tissue and the recipient anatomic map and/or the graft model are compared to the donor anatomic map to determine the suitability of the associated donor joint tissue to restoring the recipient joint to its healthy form. The donor joint tissue is shaped to conform to the graft model, thereby forming a patient-specific graft.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a human joint which includes two or more bones and ligaments, wherein the ligaments are under anatomical tension to connect the bones together, creating a load-bearing articulating joint. The method includes: defining locations of one or more sockets, each socket representing a ligament attachment point to bone; interconnecting the one or more sockets with mathematical relationships that describe the kinematic physics of the one or more sockets relative to one another; providing spatial information to describe the movement of the sockets relative to one another; defining an initial kinematic state of the joint; defining a final kinematic state of the joint; using computer-based system to compute a difference between the initial and final kinematic states; and using a computer-based system to compute modifications to the mathematical relationships of the sockets to achieve a final kinematic state.

Abstract: Unicompartmental tibial components are described herein. A first unicompartmental component (10) comprises a plate (12) having a bearing surface (18) and an opposing surface (22) that is configured to be secured to a proximal end of a patient's tibia, wherein the plate further comprises an anterior end (24), an outer side (25), a posterior end (26) and an inner side (27), wherein a mediolateral width W of the plate is defined between the outer and inner sides, and a longitudinal anteroposterior axis (28) extends between the anterior and posterior ends approximately one third of the width of the plate (i.e. 1/3 W) from the lateral side, and defines a longitudinal axis length L of the plate. A first elongate peg (14) protrudes from the opposing surface in the anterior portion, the first elongate peg defining a first peg axis (32). A second elongate peg (16) protrudes from the opposing surface in the anterior portion, the second elongate peg defining a second peg axis (34).

Abstract: An apparatus including a humeral anchor configured to be mounted to a humerus and configured to receive a humeral component; wherein the humeral anchor includes a central hub having a plurality of fins extending therefrom, wherein the plurality of fins are arranged in an asymmetric pattern.

Abstract: An implant is disclosed. The implant has a first endplate, a second endplate, a base disposed between the first endplate and the second endplate, a plurality of adjustment arms operably connecting the base with the first endplate and the second endplate, and a plurality of pins disposed on at least one of the first endplate and the second endplate. The plurality of pins have different lengths. The plurality of adjustment arms are rotatably connected to a plurality of hubs that are axially slidable on at least some of the plurality of pins.

Abstract: The spinal implant described in the present disclosure utilizes an augmented expanding system to build the desired height spacer in-situ without the need for mechanically expanding devices. An expanding spacer system includes a plurality of implant components configured to mate with each other in the intervertebral disc space and a positioning system used to insert each of the plurality of implant components. Each implant component has a smaller dimension and a larger dimension. The positioning system is used to insert the first component into the disc space with the smaller dimension parallel to the spinal axis, and the positioning system is then used to rotate the first implant component to distract the disc space. Additional implant components are added and rotated to further distract the disc space until a desired height is reached.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant having an open lattice structure formed by a plurality of elongate struts, including a first strut and a second strut. In addition, the body includes a contact surface configured to confront a bone plate, the contact surface including a node defined by an intersection of the first strut and the second strut. The implant includes an enlarged contact member disposed at the node, wherein the enlarged contact member has a substantially flattened outer-facing surface forming part of the contact surface. In addition, the enlarged contact member has an outer perimeter edge that extends beyond the node, and at least a portion of the first strut and at least a portion of the second strut extend inward from the enlarged contact member toward a central core of the body.

Abstract: Pedicle-based intradiscal fixation devices, systems, instruments, and methods thereof. An implant for stabilizing an inferior vertebra and a superior vertebra may include a first member and a second member moveably connected to the first member. The implant may have a first, initial insertion orientation and a second, final implantation orientation different from the first, initial insertion orientation. The first member may be configured to be inserted through a pedicle of the inferior vertebra and the second member may be configured to engage bone of the superior vertebra in the second, final implantation orientation.

Abstract: A bone graft delivery system can include an elongate tube and a handle having a trigger and a ratcheting mechanism. The trigger is actuated to deliver bone graft material through the tube. The bone graft delivery system can further include a distal tip at a distal end of the tube. The tip has one or more openings to deliver the bone graft material to a desired location and includes a surface suitable to act as a rasp for decorticating bone. A method for delivering bone graft material to a desired surgical location includes providing a bone graft delivery device, positioning the device adjacent the surgical location, decorticating bone, and delivering bone graft material to the surgical location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotically distracting a disc space are provided for implantation of an intervertebral prosthetic disc. The system includes a 3D modeling system for creating a 3D model of first and second vertebra adjacent the disc space and identifying positions of the first and second vertebrae and generating and storing position data for the positions of the first and second vertebrae. A robotic distractor determines a size of an intervertebral disc prosthesis to be implanted between the first and second vertebrae and precisely opens the disc space just large enough to receive a selected intervertebral disc. A computing system stores and processes the 3D model and the positions of the first and second vertebrae before and after distraction.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for robotically assisted disc prosthesis selection and implantation. The system includes a 3D modeling system for creating a 3D model of first and second vertebra adjacent the intended surgical site and identifying and storing data for the positions of the first and second vertebrae. A computing system for stores and processes the 3D model and the position data. A robot connected to the computing system attaches to a plurality of instruments including sizing templates, trials, cutters or placement instruments for intervertebral disc prostheses. An interface on the computing system allows the surgeon to sequentially deliver the plurality of instruments with the robot to a registration position to improve the speed and accuracy of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a first guide tool portion configured to support an instrument. The first guide tool portion is configured to limit movement of the instrument relative to a patient site. A second guide tool portion is provided that is configured to receive at least one K-wire to stabilize the surgical tool assembly.

Abstract: A prosthetic trial base includes a hinge and two levers connected to one another by the hinge. Each lever includes a tab extending proximally of the hinge and a fin extending distally of the hinge. The prosthetic trial base also includes a head movable between the tabs to force the tabs apart from one another. The trial base also includes a collar defining a bore in which the tabs are received and a lid that is connected to the levers. The head and is connected to the lid in a manner that enables the head to be driven relative to the lid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand motion control system and a control method thereof, and more specifically, to a hand motion control system for a myoelectric hand, and to a control method thereof. The system enables not only grasping motions for grasping an object, but also the expression of hand gestures expressing emotions or intent, by means of a limited myoelectric signal transmitted via two myoelectric sensors provided on the myoelectric hand. Furthermore, the system enables a wide variety of hand postures and grasp types that are determined by the position of a thumb, which can be changed by a user, thus easily expanding the range of applications of the myoelectric hand.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enhancing operation of a leg prothesis is provided. The apparatus includes a variable stiffness module configured to be attached between a first portion and a second portion of a leg prothesis. The first portion is configured to move relative to the second portion in a first plane. The variable stiffness module defines an interior region configured to store pressurized fluid. A volume of the interior region is configured to be varied from a first volume to a second volume such that a stiffness of the variable stiffness module in the first plane is varied from a first stiffness to a second stiffness.

Abstract: In the stent for use in the interventional treatment of vascular diseases and in vascular surgery, there is a tubular support structure formed with struts made of a first bioresorbable metallic material that are joined to one another at selective points. The surface of the struts is fully covered by a coating made with a second bioresorbable metallic material. The second metallic material has a lower dissolution rate in the implanted state under physiological conditions in the course of bioresorption, and has a more positive electrode potential compared to the first metallic material.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system comprises an elongate member having a main lumen configured to contain a main guidewire and at least one secondary lumen configured to releasably contain a secondary guidewire, the secondary lumen configured to release a first portion of the secondary guidewire when an implantable medical device is advanced along the main guidewire to a first longitudinal position proximate the first portion of the guidewire and configured to release a second portion of the guidewire when the implantable medical device is advanced along the main guidewire to a second longitudinal position proximate the second portion of the guidewire.

Abstract: The present application disclosed a delivery apparatus and a control device. The control device includes a fixing unit and a movable unit, the fixing unit includes a screw rod provided with an accommodating hole and a sliding groove communicating with the accommodating hole; the movable unit includes a connecting member, a first handle, a mating member, and a control member. The control device can control the fast movement and the slow movement of the connecting member, thereby facilitating the realization of the speed control of the release of the vascular stent. The delivery apparatus uses the control device.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery system for delivering an aortic prosthetic device includes a handle, an internal lead screw assembly within a track of a handle body of the handle, a lead screw nut that extends about the handle body and threadable engaged with the threaded portion of the internal lead screw assembly, a support member fixed to the handle body, a sheath extending about a portion of the support member and fixed to the internal lead screw assembly, and a hemostasis valve about the supporting member and between the sheath and the lead screw assembly.

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

Abstract: Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include an inner shaft. A deployment sheath may be disposed about the inner shaft. A stent may be disposed between the inner shaft and the deployment sheath. A stent reconstraining member may be secured to an inner surface of the deployment sheath and releasably secured to the stent.

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

Abstract: The present devices and method are related to treatments for obesity and for bi-directional adjustment (inflation/deflation) of intragastric balloons, thus allowing the inflation or deflation of the volume of the intragastric balloon already in a patient's stomach. A first device is configured to be introduced into the valve of the intragastric balloon and to be retained therein, and comprising a coupling element coupled to the body of the first device and configured to project outwards from the valve of the intragastric balloon. A second device comprising a tubular extension is configured to pass through the valve of the intragastric balloon, thus neutralizing its valve effect and allowing the bi-directional adjustment of same. A method is disclosed that carries out the steps of positioning an intragastric balloon already in the stomach using the first device. A shut-off valve configuration is disclosed for use with an implantable catheter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant for arranging and expanding in the human gastrointestinal tract for the purpose of lining a section of the gastrointestinal tract in order to prevent the resorption of supplied nourishment in said section, having a first end section (1) which, as a securing section, allows the fixation of the implant in the human stomach/gastrointestinal tract and/or to an applicator (10); a tubular section which adjoins the first end section (1), comprising a longitudinal section (2) which extends in the provided expansion direction, a transition section (3) which adjoins the longitudinal section (2), and an inverted section (4) which runs within the longitudinal section opposite the provided expansion direction; and a second end section (8).

Abstract: A device for treating obesity of a patient, the device comprising: at least one operable stretching device implantable in the patient and adapted to stretch a portion of the patient's stomach wall, and an implantable control unit for automatically controlling the operable stretching device, when the control unit and stretching device are implanted, to stretch the stomach wall portion in connection with the patient eating such that satiety is created.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating obesity of an obese patient. The apparatus comprising a volume filling device adapted to be completely invaginated by a wall portion of a stomach of the patient. The volume filling device is adapted to be placed on the outside of the wall portion, with an outer surface of the volume filling device resting against the outside of the wall portion and such that a volume of a food cavity of the stomach is reduced in size by a volume having a treatment effect on the obesity.

Abstract: A knit sock orthotic is provided in which a pattern of padding is knit into the sock to create an interface between the foot and the shoe or weight-bearing surface to correct an abnormal biomechanical condition of the foot, or to relieve pressure on focal areas of structural overload of the foot, or both.

Abstract: A knee therapy device. The knee therapy device includes one or more legs, the one or more legs configured to support the knee therapy device and a frame, the frame attached to the one or more legs. The knee therapy device also includes a thigh pad attached to the frame, where the thigh pad is configured to support the thigh of a user. The knee therapy device further includes a lower leg support, where the lower leg support is attached to the frame, is configured to support the lower leg of the user and moves relative to the frame about a hinge point.

Abstract: An orthosis comprises a first portion which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of first fibres, and a second portion which is disposed around at least a section of a peripheral edge of the orthosis which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of second fibres. The first portion has a higher tensile strength and is harder than the second portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a therapeutic boot that promotes the healing of pressures sores is described. Bedridden patients are prone to developing pressure sores over bony prominences of the foot such as a heel. The therapeutic boot includes a sides-down, open door design that provides unobstructed access to a wound site. The therapeutic boot may be designed to offload the patient's heel and bony prominences on both sides of the patient's ankle. The therapeutic boot is designed such that opening and closing the boot does not apply pressure and or friction to the wound site.

Abstract: A cervical collar has a height adjustment system between upper and lower parts forming an anterior component for increasing height of the anterior component inclusive of a tracheal opening. The anterior component is arranged to permit the use of known mandibular and occipital supports in the cervical collar to maintain their functionality, comfort and fit, including their anatomical contours and connection to the height adjusted anterior component.

Abstract: A method of using a cushioned support device includes providing a cushioned support device, which includes a pad having a top surface covering a pair of pontoons configured to extend parallel to a patient's leg. The top surface includes a first material extending along lateral sides of the pad and a second material, different from the first material, covering a center portion of the pad, the second material configured to conform to the patient's leg. The cushioned support device further includes a securing system coupled to the pad. The method further includes placing the patient's leg on the cushioned support device such that the patient's leg is disposed on the pad aligned with the second material and securing, via the securing system, the patient's leg to the pad.