Abstract: Systems and methods for the intravascular treatment of clot material within a blood vessel of a human patient are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, positioning a distal portion of a catheter proximate to the clot material within the blood vessel. The method can further include coupling a pressure source to the catheter via a tubing subsystem including a valve or other fluid control device and, while the valve is closed, activating the pressure source to charge a vacuum. The valve can then be opened to apply the vacuum to the catheter to thereby aspirate at least a portion of the clot material from the blood vessel and into the catheter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the intravascular treatment of clot material within a blood vessel of a human patient are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, positioning a distal portion of a catheter proximate to the clot material within the blood vessel. The method can further include coupling a pressure source to the catheter via a tubing subsystem including a valve or other fluid control device and, while the valve is closed, activating the pressure source to charge a vacuum. The valve can then be opened to apply the vacuum to the catheter to thereby aspirate at least a portion of the clot material from the blood vessel and into the catheter.

Abstract: An artificial blood vessel 10 comprises: an artificial blood vessel body 12; and a carbon material film 11 that covers the inner wall of the artificial blood vessel body 12. The inner wall which is covered by the carbon material film 11 is configured so that the water vapor adsorption isotherm shows desorption hysteresis.

Abstract: A tubular graft may include a first woven layer, where the first woven layer forms a first side of the tubular graft; a second woven layer, where the second woven layer forms a second side of the tubular graft; and a tapered portion having an edge, where the edge connects the first woven layer and the second woven layer, where the tapered portion includes a first weft thread, a second weft thread, and a third weft thread, and where a floating portion of a first warp end extends from the first weft thread to the third weft thread such that the floating portion bypasses the second weft thread.

Abstract: A system and method for an improved connective tissue repair option that reduces disadvantages of conventional fixation options. Biologic press fit fixation of a connective tissue unit may include in situ expansion of a pre-compressed connective tissue unit within a prepared bone tunnel of a portion of bone. An external opening accessing a cavity of the prepared bone tunnel may be smaller than that of the cavity such that expansion of the installed/compressed connective tissue unit increases lateral fixation forces exerted by the expanding/decompressing compressed connective tissue unit within the bone tunnel.

Abstract: Tissue engineering devices and methods employing scaffolds made of absorbable material for use in the human body for tissue genesis and regenerative and cellular medicine including breast reconstruction and cosmetic and aesthetic procedures and supplementing organ function in vivo.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a prosthetic heart valve can comprise providing a piece of pericardial tissue comprising a fibrous parietal layer and a serous parietal layer. The method can further comprise reducing the thickness of the piece of pericardial tissue by removing a portion of the serous parietal layer, the fibrous parietal layer defining a first surface of the piece of pericardial tissue and the serous parietal layer defining a second surface of the piece of pericardial tissue. The method can further comprise positioning the pericardial tissue around an outer surface of a frame of the prosthetic heart valve and securing it thereto such that the first surface is facing away from the frame and the second surface is facing towards the frame.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a tubular shaped sheet member comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, the sheet member having a plurality of ribbons having proximal and distal ends, the distal ends of the ribbons projecting from the sheet member proximal end.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices and frames for implantation at a cardiac valve annulus are provided that include an annular frame (having an inflow end and an outflow end) and a plurality of axial frame members that bridge two circumferentially extending rows of angled struts. The axial frame members can include a plurality of axially extending leaflet attachment members and a plurality of axial struts in a 1:1 ratio. Along each of the two rows, the frame can have at least three angled struts between adjacent axial frame members.

Abstract: A cardiac valve prosthesis including an armature for anchorage of the valve prosthesis at an implantation site. The armature defining a lumen for the passage of the blood flow and having a longitudinal axis, and a set of prosthetic valve leaflets supported by said armature and configured to move, under the action of blood flow, in a radially divaricated condition to enable the flow of blood through said lumen in a first direction, and in a radially contracted condition, in which said valve leaflets co-operate with one another and block the flow of blood through the prosthesis in the direction opposite said first direction.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the device includes a frame coupled to one or more leaflets that are moveable between open and closed configurations. In some embodiments, the frame comprises at least two frame sections that join at a pair of commissural posts. In some embodiments, the device may be geometrically accommodating to adapt to different vasculature shapes and sizes and/or to be able to change size while implanted within a growing patient.

Abstract: Methods for rotationally aligning transcatheter heart valve prosthesis within a native heart valve include percutaneously delivering the transcatheter heart valve prosthesis to the native heart valve, wherein the transcatheter heart valve prosthesis includes at least one imaging marker, receiving a cusp overlap viewing angle image and/or a coronary overlap viewing angle image of the transcatheter heart valve prosthesis within the native heart valve, determining, based on the cusp overlap viewing angle image and/or the coronary overlap viewing angle image and the at least one imaging marker, whether the transcatheter heart valve prosthesis is in a desired rotational orientation, if the at least one imaging marker in the cusp overlap viewing angle image and/or the coronary overlap viewing angle indicates that the transcatheter heart valve prosthesis is not in the desired rotational orientation, rotating the transcatheter heart valve prosthesis until the transcatheter heart valve prosthesis is in the desired rot

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to deliver a prosthetic heart valve to a deficient valve. In one embodiment, for instance, a support structure and an expandable prosthetic valve are advanced through the aortic arch of a patient using a delivery system. The support structure is delivered to a position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflow side of the aortic valve (the support structure defining a support-structure interior). The expandable prosthetic valve is delivered into the aortic valve and into the support-structure interior. The expandable prosthetic heart valve is expanded while the expandable prosthetic heart valve is in the support-structure interior and while the support structure is at the position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflow side of the aortic valve, thereby causing one or more native leaflets of the aortic valve to be frictionally secured between the support structure and the expanded prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A repair device for closing a valve of a heart includes a main stem. The mains stem has a distal end and a proximal end. The main stem comprises a papillary anchor on the proximal end. The papillary anchor of the main stem is configured to attach to a papillary muscle of the heart. The main stem further includes a first branch extending from the main stem in a first direction and configured to attach to a first leaflet of the valve of the heart. The main stem also includes a second branch extending from the main stem in a second direction different from the first direction and configured to attach to a second leaflet of the valve. The first and second branches are flexible.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a leaflet capture device for improving the coaptation of heart valve leaflets is provided. The leaflet capture device can include a clip having a coupling member and a leaflet engagement portion. The coupling member has a lumen extending therethrough. The leaflet engagement portion is moveable toward and away from the coupling member. The leaflet capture device can be delivered by a support catheter, an inner shaft, and an actuating connector. Extending an end of the inner shaft away from the coupling member of the clip pulls the actuating connector to move the leaflet engagement portion away from the coupling member.

Abstract: A fastening system and a deployment system for controlling translation and rotation of a deployment device are presented. A fastening system may comprise one or more components configured for arresting or restricting translation of a delivery catheter of a medical device, including a mitral valve fixation device such as the MitraClip®. A deployment system may comprise one or more components configured for locking rotation of a crimping cam to a slider to control deployment of a mitral valve fixation device.

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

Abstract: An implant for the repair of bone and cartilage that includes a cell conductive zone that contains biopolymeric fibers and an osteoconductive zone that contains biopolymeric fibers and calcium-containing mineral particles. The biopolymeric fibers from one zone overlap with the fibers in the other zone forming a stable physical and mechanical integration of the two zones, thus conferring in vivo stability to the implant.

Abstract: An interbody spacer for use in spinal procedures. The interbody spacer has one or more surfaces with a unique surface pattern. The interbody spacer is preferably designed for use as an intervertebral spacer in spinal fusion surgery, where portions of an affected disc are removed from between two adjacent vertebrae and replaced with an interbody spacer that provides segmental stability, may correct a deformity, and allows for bone to grow between the two vertebrae to bridge the gap created by disk removal. The interbody spacer has one or more unique surfaces designed to aid in bone growth and attachment. The unique surface comprises one or more surface projections, referred to generally as surface projection pattern or matrix, which can be arranged to form unique patterns and structures.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial bearing, a tibial component, a first magnetic portion associated with the femoral component and including a first pole having a first pole polarity the first magnetic portion not physically interrupting any articulating portion of the curved medial condyle surface or curved lateral condyle surface, and a second magnetic portion associated with one or both of the tibial bearing and/or the tibial component and including a second pole having a second pole polarity, the second pole polarity the same as the first pole polarity, the second magnetic portion not physically interrupting any articulating portion of the concave medial bearing surface or concave lateral bearing surface, wherein the first pole and the second pole are in sufficient proximity to each other such that a magnetic repulsive force is present therebetween.

Abstract: A tibial implant includes one or more stiffness-modifying features to reduce the stiffness of one or more sections of the tibial implant. The stiffness-modifying features may include slots, recesses, or passageways defined in various locations of the tibial implant to selectively reduce the stiffness of a tibial insert and/or tibial base of the tibial implant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to prosthesis systems having trays and liners having an asymmetrical locking mechanism to bias the strength of the liner to resist loading forces and associated methods. The tray has a lateral groove disposed in an inner surface of a lateral circumferential portion of the tray and a medial groove disposed in an inner surface of a medial circumferential portion of the tray. The liner has an upper segment and a lower segment. The liner has a locking portion for lockingly engaging the tray that includes the lower segment. The locking portion has a lateral toe positioned generally diametrically opposite a plurality of resiliently deformable medial fingers defined therein. The liner and the tray are engageable in a lateral-to-medial direction so that the plurality of medial fingers can resiliently deform to engage the medial groove subsequent to engagement of the lateral toe within the lateral groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical implants, including spinal implants and bone grafts, for fixation and integration with hard tissue. The bone medical implants include at least one rotational fixation mechanism that further includes or is attached to one or more sharp protrusions configured to penetrate and become lodged into hard tissue to provide support and positional stability. Such support is useful to ensure that the spinal bone graft may be used without additional stabilizing or anchoring structures, such as supporting plates or screws.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular anchoring adaptor that engages with existing features of commercially available ALIF cages to help eliminate migration and/or anterior expulsion cause by the instability of the spine, such as lordosis. Such modular adaptor will mate or engage with existing features to enhance anchoring within the vertebral disc space, which space is limited and a low-profile should be maintained.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for insertion into an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies or between two bone portions. The implant includes a spacer portion, a plate portion operatively coupled to the spacer portion and one or more blades for securing the implant to the adjacent vertebral bodies. The blades preferably include superior and inferior cylindrical pins for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant may be configured to be inserted via a direct lateral trans-psoas approach. Alternatively, the implant may be configured for insertion via an anterior approach.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.

Abstract: An impactor head (10) for releasably holding an outer surface (12) of a cup implant (14), comprises a head body (16), at least one rotatable implant-engagement arm (20) which is also at least in part linearly translatable, and an actuation mechanism (18) which moves the implant-engagement arm (20) to an implant-engagement condition and an implant-release condition.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for introducing a spinal disc implant into an intervertebral space of a subject. The subject is placed in a lateral position, and the anterior face of the spinal disc intervertebral space is accessed, between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, from an anterior and lateral retroperitoneal approach. An operative corridor to the anterior face of the spinal disc space is established by introducing a retractor instrument anterolaterally to the spinal disc space between the anterior superior iliac spine and the anterior inferior iliac spine. The damaged spinal disc contents are removed from the intervertebral space through the operative corridor, and the implant is advanced into the intervertebral space at an oblique angle and pivoted to position the implant substantially laterally within the intervertebral space. Elongated retractor and insertion instruments, as well as a modified disc implant, are also disclosed for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument system includes a sensor adapter and multiple surgical instruments. The sensor adapter includes a housing with a force sensor positioned within the housing and a sensor contact configured to transfer force to the force sensor extending from the housing. Each surgical instrument includes a sensor connector configured to receive the sensor adapter at a predetermined location relative to the surgical instrument. Each sensor adapter further includes a registering feature to engage an anatomical feature of a patient or another surgical instrument. The surgical instruments may include a shim that may be attached to a gap assessment tool or a tibial insert trial. Methods associated with the surgical instrument system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tibial trial insert includes an upper plate and lower plate. An adjustment arrangement between the upper and lower plates is actuatable to adjust a gap between the upper and lower plates. The adjustment arrangement includes a first lift with a first lever arm arrangement and a second lift with a second lever arm arrangement. Each lever arm arrangement is indirectly connected to the upper and lower plates and pivotally movable to vary its length and adjust the gap between the upper and lower plates. The first lift includes an actuator coupled to the first lever arm arrangement. Actuation of the actuator varies the length of the first lever arm arrangement. The adjustment arrangement includes a coupling that couples the second lift to the first lift and configured such that the length of the second lever arm arrangement is varied synchronously to the first lever arm arrangement.

Abstract: An upper-extremity prosthetic is adapted to engage with an athletic ball. The prosthetic includes one or more springs that provide energy return as a user is throwing the ball using the prosthetic. The springs can have a conductivity that changes in relation to an amount of strain or deformation of the spring. The change in conductivity can be used to provide haptic feedback to the user so the user can sense the amount of force being applied to throw the ball. In some embodiments, the springs are made by a multi-material 3D printing (additive manufacturing) process and include a first material that is electrically non-conductive and a second material that electrically conductive. In some embodiments, the prosthetic also includes one or more cantilevered springs that are also adapted to engage with the ball and to provide energy return while throwing the ball.

Abstract: A system and method for a prosthetic assembly that includes a first prosthetic component, comprising a prosthetic hand base; a set of second prosthetic components, comprising a set of prosthetic fingers, and a set of actuating systems, wherein one actuating system connects a pair of distinct prosthetic components, enabling actuation of one prosthetic component with respect to the other. Each actuating system, from the set of actuating systems, includes a linkage and a sensored brushless motor; wherein the sensored brushless motor comprises a brushless motor, a field oriented control system, a rotary encoder, and a gearbox.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for pivoting an arm (2) relative a joint (1). The device comprises at least one artificial tendon (20, 21) attached to a distal end (3) of the arm and a driving mechanism (30), the driving mechanism being connected to and adapted to pull the tendon and the distal end of the arm, and a method of operating the device.

Abstract: A sheath made of an elastomer material for a prosthesis liner comprises an inner wall and an outer wall defining a sheath body that extends between a proximal end suitable for placing the sheath body onto a stump and a distal end. The sheath is provided at the distal end thereof with a conformable cavity that is formed in the sheath body and is open to the outside via an opening.

Abstract: A liner is arranged for use in prosthetic and orthopedic devices. The liner defines first and second end portions, and inner and outer surfaces. The liner includes an inner layer having a frictional component and forms at least part of the periphery of the inner liner surface. The inner layer defines a plurality of apertures. A porous element is in communication with the inner liner surface and is connected to the inner layer such that the apertures permit a transfer of air from the inner surface to the porous element. A base layer adjoins the porous element and extends between the first and second end portions of the liner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic socket (10) having a longitudinal axis X for attachment to a limb of a patient having first and second sides (A, B) which comprises a first portion (20) having a first edge (22), a second edge (24) a first end (26) and a second end (28) and second portion (30) having a first edge (32) a second edge (34) a first end (36) and a second edge (38). A hinge (40) is connecting the first edge (22) of the first portion (20) to the first edge (32) of the second portion (30) and a clasp (50) is provided between the second edge (24) of the first portion (20) and the second edge (34) of the second portion (30). Such an arrangement allows for a prosthetic socket (10) to be more easily attached and removed to a patients limb.

Abstract: A lumen stent preform is provided using a plasma nitriding technology, a preparation method thereof, a method for preparing a lumen stent by using the preform, and a lumen stent obtained according to the method. The preform is manufactured by using pure iron or an iron alloy containing no strong nitrogen compound, has a hardness of 160-250HV0.05/10, and has a microstructure that is a deformed structure having a grain size scale greater than or equal to 9 or a deformed structure after cold machining. Alternatively, the preform is an iron alloy containing a strong nitrogen compound, and has a microstructure that is a deformed structure having a grain size scale greater than or equal to 9 or a deformed structure after cold machining. The lumen stem preform meets the requirements of a conventional stent for radial strength and plasticity, so that plasma nitriding is applicable to commercial preparation of a lumen stent.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis delivery system includes an expandable endoprosthesis including a side branch portal, a first primary sleeve releasably constraining a proximal portion of the expandable endoprosthesis to a collapsed configuration, a second primary sleeve in parallel with the first primary sleeve, the second primary sleeve releasably constraining a distal portion of the expandable endoprosthesis to the collapsed configuration, and a secondary sleeve within the first primary sleeve. Upon release of the first primary sleeve, the secondary sleeve releasably constrains the proximal portion of the expandable endoprosthesis to a partially expanded configuration allowing access to the side branch portal via the partially expanded proximal portion of the expandable endoprosthesis.

Abstract: Provided is a medical device implantation apparatus, comprising: an outer sheath, connected to a first portion of a handle and extending from a proximal end to a distal end; a middle sheath, the middle sheath being arranged in the outer sheath, and the middle sheath being connected to a second portion of the handle; an inner sheath, the inner sheath being allowed to pass through the middle sheath, the inner sheath being connected to a third portion of the handle, and the inner sheath being movable relative to the outer sheath; outer casings, with at least two outer casings being provided, and a distal end of the inner sheath being respectively fixedly connected to the outer casings; and a medical device, arranged around the inner sheath and partially accommodated in the outer casings.

Abstract: An intragastric device includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end and an anchor connected to the elongated member. The anchor includes a stem, a first arch and a second arch, and a curvilinear element. The stem includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the stem is attached to the proximal end of the elongated member. Each arch has first and second ends and a proximal peak therebetween. The first end of each arch is attached to the proximal end of the stem, and the second end of each arch extends radially away from the stem. The curvilinear element connects the second end of the first arch to the second end of the second arch.

Abstract: A knee brace includes a thigh fixing part, a shank fixing part, an outer leg joint that couples the thigh fixing part with the shank fixing part, and an inner leg joint that couples the thigh fixing part with the shank fixing part. When the wearer P flexes his/her knee joint, a lower arm is rotated with respect to an upper arm along with a rotation fulcrum shaft sliding in a long groove and a cam shaft sliding in a cam groove. When the outer leg joint and the inner leg joint are extended, the lower arm of the outer leg joint is configured to be moved relatively forward with respect to the lower arm of the inner leg joint.

Abstract: An orthopedic system includes a base shell forming an opening over a dorsal aspect thereof and a dorsal shell contoured to generally correspond to the opening of the base shell. The base shell has a proximal member and a distal member connected to the proximal member, each has a semi-rigid shell configuration to protect and support a lower leg, an ankle, or a foot of a user when received in the orthopedic system. A flexible toe portion is attached to a distal terminal end area of the distal member and formed of a different material than the distal member. The flexible toe portion is arranged to terminate above an upper surface of the user's toes and to flex relative to the distal member and the toes so as to reduce the likelihood of pressure points on the toes from the distal member.

Abstract: An improved pain management and post-operative hip orthosis includes a waist strap having first and second ends, a lower strap having first and second ends, and a pocket extending between the waist strap and lower strap. The pocket has inner and outer panels fastened to each other to define an upper opening and a lower opening. A cooling pack including a reservoir and inlet and outlet tubes extending from a bottom of the reservoir is applied to the pocket such that the inlet and outlet tubes pass through the lower opening of the pocket.

Abstract: A cervical collar has an anterior component including a lower support that is adjustable in angle relative to a main support. The lower support is hingedly connected to the main support at first and second end portions. An elongate element engages the first and second end portions. A lock mechanism is operatively connected to the elongate element, and is arranged for locking rotation of the lower support relative to the main support, by moving the elongate element between locked and unlocked conditions. An upper support is received by the main support at least at a front section of the main support, and is arranged to be fitted against a user's chin.

Abstract: A forward head position correction collar is provided having first assembly mounted around the shoulder and neck portions of a wearer. A second assembly is movably connected to the first assembly. The second assembly includes a pair of opposed first and second adjustment assemblies that are used to position first and second cheek engagement pieces on the face of the wearer. The first and second cheek engagement pieces are joined to one side of a chin-mastoid piece that can be adjusted relative to the wearer. Preferably, a lordosis correction fulcrum assembly is formed within the first assembly to selectively and incrementally engage the rear of the wearer to apply corrective forces against the cervical area of the neck.

Abstract: An instrument (10) to downfold an intrauterine device (30), comprising a base (20) with a delatcher (26); a navigator (50) having an aligner plug (51A), a slot (56); an open converger (40) having a flange (45), a covered channel (41); a driver assembly (60) having a bidirectional carrier (61), a graduated tube (71), and a latching rod (81); and a gated support (90) having a leafy arm (91) and a downward fork (94) forming an inverted “U” gate (95) having sloped edges (97) with end points (96), at the other end, a holder (92) having an elongated grip (93) on either side; wherein a lower end (37) of the stem (33) of IUD (30) sits on a conical seat (82) having two resting points (83) on the latching rod (81), while a knot (38) of the string (31) sits in the knot room (84) on the latching rod (81).

Abstract: A dry eye treatment device is provided having a mask defining a treatment cavity which is positionable on a face of a user over the eyes. A temperature altering pack such as a gel pack is positionable within the treatment cavity and a fabric cover may surround the gel pack and have medication absorbed or placed upon the fabric material.

Abstract: A pad for treating a perineal area of a woman before or after childbirth includes a foam layer and a substance integrated with the foam layer. The foam layer is flexible, so that it can conform to the perineal area of the woman. The pad may optionally include a skin contact layer made of an impermeable material. The foam layer and/or the optional skin contact layer may include openings, such as perforations or slits. A method of using the pad may involve placing the pad in the perineal area before or after childbirth. The pad may be frozen, cooled or heated before use, in different embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for managing occlusions during phacoemulsification surgery. More specifically, the present invention provides a user of a surgical console an alert when a partial or full occlusion of a surgical tool causes the vacuum pressure to become greater than a predetermined pressure threshold setting and automatically reduces the vacuum pressure when the predetermined pressure threshold setting is exceeded.

Abstract: A system includes a needle, an actuator assembly and a generator. The needle is configured to be vibrated so as to emulsify a lens of an eye. The actuator assembly, includes a first actuator, a second actuator and a third actuator, which are distributed around a longitudinal axis of the needle and are configured to vibrate along the longitudinal axis in response to a first driving signal, a second driving signal and a third driving signal, respectively. The generator is configured to generate the first driving signal, the second driving signal and the third driving signal, so as to vibrate the needle in accordance with a predefined pattern.