Abstract: A method for generating a digital 3D representation of at least a part of an intraoral cavity, the method including recording a plurality of views containing surface data representing at least the geometry of surface points of the part of the intraoral cavity using an intraoral scanner; determining a weight for each surface point at least partly based on scores that are measures of belief of that surface point representing a particular type of surface; executing a stitching algorithm that performs weighted stitching of the surface points in said plurality of views to generate the digital 3D representation based on the determined weights; wherein the scores for the surface points are found by at least one score-finding algorithm that takes as input at least the geometry part of the surface data for that surface point and surface data for points in a neighbourhood of that surface point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a small animal intraventricular injection compensator for injecting a drug into a desired location through a syringe, the compensator including: a guide part provided with a guide hole into which a needle of a syringe is inserted; a body comprising an upper cavity provided inside thereof and a cradle provided to seat the guide part on an upper side thereof; and a fixation part integrally provided with the body or separately provided, and comprising a lower cavity provided to allow a head accommodation space, which a head of a small animal may enter into or exit from, to be provided inside thereof by corresponding to the upper cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a wound site is described, the apparatus comprising: a wound contacting element for retaining wound exudate fluid therein; a wound covering element that provides a substantially airtight seal over the wound contacting element and wound site; a vacuum connection tube connecting a wound cavity to a vacuum source; and a vacuum source connected to a distal end of the vacuum connection tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing enclosing a source of negative pressure and a controller configured to operate the source of negative pressure to provide negative pressure wound therapy to a wound. The housing can also include a communications controller configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data using a communications antenna positioned on an antenna board. The antenna board can be mounted to a communications board that include the communications controller. The antenna board can be electrically connected to the communications board via a single connector on the communications board. The antenna's ground plane can be positioned on the communications board.

Abstract: Tampons and production methods are provided that provide tampons made of at least 80% cellulose-based fibers, such as cotton or viscose, without plastic top sheets. The tampons consist of cylindrically-compressed rolled strips of entangled non-woven fabric and may be made of 100% natural cellulose-based fibers, the fabric having a tensile strength that is larger than 10N/50 mm. The fabric may be folded longitudinally in various folding configurations and rolled transversely before compression to tampon dimensions.

Abstract: An absorbent member (20) includes an absorbent sheet (10) in which absorbent polymer (12) is fixed to a base sheet (11) and a cover sheet (21) covering at least a first surface of the absorbent sheet (10). The absorbent sheet (10) has an absorbent polymer fixing proportion of 40% or more. The absorbent member (20) has high fixing performance of the absorbent polymer (12) to the base sheet (11) and is less likely to suffer from detachment of the absorbent polymer (12) even after liquid absorption. The absorbent polymer (12) is preferably fixed to the base sheet (11) with a base sheet fixing adhesive (13) interposed therebetween. The adhesive (13) is preferably an acrylic, silicone-based or rubber-based adhesive, and is preferably a hot-melt adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention corresponds to an absorbent article comprising substrates having a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein the substrates are located one on top pf the other. The bottom substrate having attachment media located on the bottom layer, and the top substrate having support media located on the top end and bottom end of the top substrate. The bottom and op substrates are attached throughout the periphery thereof, and the top layer is permeable.

Abstract: Embodiments are utilized to provide a pelvic floor muscle supporting aid that not only supports the pelvic floor muscles but also is effective for preventing a pelvic organ prolapse. An annular part provided so as to be situated at a position corresponding to an outer peripheral portion of the vaginal opening is pulled by a pulling part, so that an interval between left and right side portions situated on the left and right of the vaginal opening is narrowed. Consequently, not only force to press up the pelvic floor muscles from under is applied but also the vaginal opening is narrowed. Consequently, the pelvic organs do not easily slip out. Therefore, it is possible to prevent urinary incontinence and the like by supporting the pelvic floor muscles and at the same time prevent a pelvic organ prolapse.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to skirted hernia repair devices which includes at least a first mesh layer having a first side, a second side, and an outer peripheral edge, a skirt mesh layer positioned on the first side of the first mesh layer, the skirt mesh layer having an inner peripheral edge defining an opening in the skirt mesh layer, and, at least one reinforcement member that prevents the skirt mesh layer from inverting.

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 exchangeable optics system includes an intraocular base that can be fixed within an eye. The intraocular base includes one or more couplers and a supporting structure. The one or more couplers releasably couple to an exchangeable optic and can include magnetic material. The supporting structure can include haptics and a main structure that physically supports the exchangeable optic. The intraocular base can include a fixed lens within or on the main structure. The exchangeable optic can include corresponding one or more couplers, which may be formed of magnetic material.

Abstract: An injector for inserting an intraocular lens into the capsular bag of an eye has an injector body; a plunger for displacing the lens out of the injector in an insertion direction, with the lens having an optic body with an optical axis and a rear and a front haptic; a rear mechanism for displacing an optic body distant longitudinal end of the rear haptic onto the optic body via a displacement of the plunger; a front mechanism for displacing an optic body distant longitudinal end of the front haptic along a front trajectory having a front component parallel to the optical axis; and a handle operable from outside of the injector and which has a first catch coupled to the plunger to carry along the plunger in the insertion direction via a longitudinal displacement of the handle and has a second catch to carry along the front displacement mechanism.

Abstract: Prosthetic valved conduits are provided that include a leaflet construct coupled between two portions of a conduit. Each leaflet has a free edge and a leaflet attachment edge. The leaflet attachment edge is disposed between a first conduit distal end and a second conduit proximal end that are coaxial therebetween defining a junction.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves and anchors for use with such valves are provided that allow for an improved implantation procedure. In various embodiments, an anchoring device is formed as a coiled or twisted anchor that includes one or more turns that twist or curve around a central axis. One or more arms attached to the frame of the valve guide the anchoring device into position at the native valve as it exits the delivery catheter, and the expandable prosthetic valve is held within the coil of the anchoring device. The anchoring device and the valve can be delivered together, simplifying the valve replacement procedure.

Abstract: A prosthetic aortic valve includes an annular, annulus inflow portion that is designed to reside in or near the patient's native aortic valve annulus, and an annular, aortic outflow portion that is designed to reside in the patient's aorta downstream from at least a portion of the valsalva sinus. The annulus inflow portion and the aortic outflow portion are connected to one another by a plurality of connecting struts that are confined to regions near the commissures of the patient's native aortic valve. The connecting struts are designed to bulge out into the valsalva sinus to help anchor the prosthetic valve in place. The valve is circumferentially collapsible to a relatively small diameter for less-invasive delivery into the patient. The valve circumferentially expands to a larger operational diameter when deployed at the implant site.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a prosthetic valve. The prosthetic valve may include a jacket configured to cover at least one of gaps, spaces, or interfaces in a frame or between one or more leaflets attached to the frame.

Abstract: A crimping device for reducing the size of prosthetic heart valve devices and other medical devices. A hydraulically operated piston advances a pusher toward an opening of a funnel. An interior surface of the funnel is configured to provide substantially uniform compression forces to a prosthetic heart valve device between the pusher and the funnel as the pusher advances the prosthetic heart valve device into the funnel. A system may comprise the crimping device and a prosthetic heart valve device positioned between the pusher and the funnel. A technique for using the crimping device includes delivering a pressurized fluid and crimping a prosthetic heart valve device using the interior surface of the funnel.

Abstract: A percutaneous heart valve prosthesis including a collapsible valve body frame has a first end and a second end. The valve body frame is formed by a plurality of sub-frame members, each sub-frame member having a general form of a diamond with acute-angled vertices and oblique-angled vertices, wherein adjacent sub-frame members are joined at the oblique-angled vertices. A flexible skirt made from a non-biologic material extends around a periphery of the valve body frame. A one-way valve including a plurality of flexible valve leaflets is positioned within the valve body frame. The first end of the valve body frame is sized to pass through a valve orifice associated with a heart valve to be replaced and the second end of the valve body frame is sized so as not to pass through a valve orifice.

Abstract: Delivery devices for delivery of a stented prosthetic heart valve. Various delivery devices include an outer sheath assembly including an outer sheath connected to a capsule that is advanced proximally to retain the prosthetic valve, which is secured over an inner shaft assembly of the delivery device. The delivery device further includes a bumper to provide a smooth transition of the capsule over the prosthetic valve during loading and recapture procedures. The bumper is expandable from a first position to a second position in which a distal end of the bumper is expanded to increase its diameter. The bumper can be biased in the second, expanded position so that the bumper automatically transitions to the expanded position upon retraction of the outer sheath.

Abstract: A method of repairing a heart valve provides intravascular access for repair of a heart valve through a ventricular trans-septal approach. An external guide catheter can be inserted through a vein of a patient into the right ventricle via the right atrium. An internal guide catheter can be inserted through the external guide and can provide access to the septum for a puncture tool to create an opening through the septum to the left ventricle. The internal guide can then be advanced into the left ventricle and used to guide a deployment catheter that deploys a repair device onto the heart valve.

Abstract: The invention relates in some aspects to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, including steerable guidewires, implantable coaptation assistance devices, anchoring systems for attaching a ventricular projection of an implantable coaptation device, a kit, and methods of using an implantable coaptation assistance device among other methods.

Abstract: Valve devices, methods of making valve devices, and methods of treating various venous-related conditions, disorders and/or diseases are described. In one embodiment, a valve device includes an expandable support frame and a bioprosthetic valve attached to the support frame. The bioprosthetic valve comprises a leaflet and a contiguous wall portion harvested from a multi-leaflet xenogeneic valve. The contiguous wall portion includes the attachment region where the leaflets attaches to the vessel wall and, in some embodiments, includes the natural margins of attachment between the leaflet and vessel wall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of penile prosthesis implantation that is minimally invasive, particularly in comparison to traditional methods of penile prosthesis implantation. The implantation method utilizes image guidance and a catheter deployment system for implanting a penile prothesis into the corporal body of a penis of a patient. More specifically, the implantation method may utilize the Seldinger technique and/or a modified Seldinger technique for implanting the prothesis. The method of implantation may result in more accurate placement, better cosmetic results, faster healing, and less likelihood for infections and other complications.

Abstract: A modular patella trial system and method is provided. A modular patella trial includes an articular element and at least one sizing element. The articular element has a length, a width, and a thickness. The articular element has a posterior and anterior surfaces separated by their thickness. The anterior surface has protrusions extending outwardly. Any of the sizing elements have a length, width, and thickness. Any such sizing elements have posterior and anterior surfaces separated by their thickness. At least one aperture extends through the posterior and anterior surfaces of the sizing elements. Such apertures are capable of receiving a corresponding protrusion of the articular element. The modular patella trial has a thickness substantially equal to the total of the thicknesses of the articular element and the sizing elements used in conjunction with the articular element.

Abstract: A stemless humeral anchor (10) includes a first end (12) configured to be embedded in a proximal portion of a humerus and a second end (14); a mating portion (16) for an articular component; a transversely extending collar (20); and a rotation control feature (22, 22A) for resisting rotation when the stemless humeral anchor is implanted. A void filling protrusion (24) can extend circumferentially from rotation control feature and can include a porous shell (26), in which a void filling component (28) can be disposed. The rotation control feature can comprise arms. One or more arms (22A) can have a larger radial extent than the others (22). A prosthesis assembly includes a base member (104) that has a helical structure (224) and one or more pathways (300). The pathway is accessible from a proximal end and is directed distally through the helical structure. The pathway is located inward of an outer periphery of the helical structure.

Abstract: The improved endoprosthetic device surface treatment encourages soft tissue attachment thereto. A porous mesh surface treatment creates on an outer surface of the endoprosthetic device a three-dimensional surface structure similar to cancellous bone. Suture attachment features are provided at various locations around the treated surface structure to initially affix a vascularized soft tissue to the treated surface. As the patient heals the soft tissue grows and infiltrates the porous mesh surface to achieve an attachment strength substantially equal to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, inserting an expandable implant into the cavity, the implant configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity, and expanding the implant within the cavity.

Abstract: An implant for interbody fusion of vertebrae comprising a unibody cage structure having an enveloping cage volume and a minimized material volume. The cage structure comprises a first and a second generally planar ring member, each ring member formed from an opposing pair of lengthwise joists and an opposing pair of cross joists, the joists together forming a large opening through the ring member. The ring members are fixedly sandwiched on a plurality of support members, the support members holding the ring members in a spaced apart relationship to thereby provide a large void volume relative to the enveloping cage volume, to thereby allow for receipt of a large volume of bone graft within the cage structure.

Abstract: A dynamic reversible electromagnetic locking element for locking the shoulder joint of a patient, in particular, in the form of a shoulder orthosis or a shoulder prosthesis, and methods for implementing the same. The dynamic reversible electromagnetic locking element has a ball and socket configuration to assist in operation of a glenohumeral joint (GHJ) in the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for a compliant four-bar linkage mechanism for a robotic finger that includes: a monolithic bone structure comprised of a compliant joint region and an input link segment and a coupler link segment, wherein the input link segment and the coupler link segment are connected through the compliant joint; an output link; a ground structure; wherein the monolithic bone structure, output link, and ground structure are connected through a set of joints in a configuration of a compliant four-bar linkage mechanism which comprises: the output link on a first end and the coupler link segment connected through an output joint, the output link on a second end connected to a ground joint on the ground structure, and the monolithic bone structure connected to an input joint connected to the ground structure; and an actuation input coupled to the input joint.

Abstract: An enveloping body for at least partly enveloping a limb, comprising an enclosed volume and a connection for supplying fluid to the volume and discharging it from the volume, wherein the enveloping body defines an inner circumference and an outer circumference, wherein the inner circumference of the enveloping body increases as the pressure of the volume increases.

Abstract: Medical device loading apparatuses, systems, methods and kits are described. A loading apparatus comprises a main body having a proximal end defining a proximal opening, a distal end defining a distal opening, and a passageway extending between the proximal and distal openings. The passageway defines a proximal chamber having a first inner diameter, a distal chamber having a second inner diameter, and a transition chamber disposed between the proximal and distal chambers. The transition chamber has an inner diameter that transitions from the larger second inner diameter to the smaller first inner diameter. The main body has a separable connection that divides the main body between proximal and distal portions when disrupted.

Abstract: A delivery system (100) for a bifurcated stent (200) is described having a stem (226) and a pair of arms (220, 222), comprising a delivery catheter (110) comprising an elongated first tube (102) having a proximal end (20) and a distal end (30) and a bifurcated part (114) at the distal end (30) configured to accommodate the arms (220, 222), wherein a longitudinal slit (140) disposed on the bifurcated part (114) is configured for releasable passage of the bifurcated stent (200) therethrough. A method for delivery of the bifurcated stent to a site of treatment using the delivery system (100) is also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided.

Abstract: A rear-entry ankle brace includes an elastomeric component defining an inside elbow channel configured to span an ankle joint. A channel opening extends the length of the elastomeric component for direct insertion on top of a leg. One or more leg straps are used to adjustably tension first and second rear edges of the channel opening toward one another and secure the brace to the lower leg. Two foot straps are used to adjustably tension first and second bottom edges of the channel opening toward one another and secure the brace to the mid-foot. The foot straps overlap on the bottom to define a plantar surface of the brace and cross over each other on the topside of the elastomeric component and are secured to a leg strap. A pair of stabilizing stirrups optionally are included on the inside surfaces of the elastomeric component and receive the malleoli.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for providing support to the lower back. Specifically, it discloses an improved back support device featuring a removable and replaceable lumbar support system capable of reconfiguration to supply support, compression and/or gentle pressure to the lumbar area of the body. Different sized or shaped inserts can be used to accommodate therapy and training, and to customize the device for individuals of all body shapes and sizes. The device and method disclosed are safe and effective for both training and rehabilitation, and advance the field of orthopedic and ergonomic support devices.

Abstract: An incontinence assist appliance for a user includes an envelope including a surface, such as an upper outside surface, for contact with the user. A removable bladder is receivable within the envelope and includes a port for attachment of a catheter which passes through an opening in the outer envelope. The bladder contains a urine absorbing substance so that it avoids spills of liquid urine. The envelope may be formed as a wearable garment. A pair of trousers incorporating the appliance in each leg is also provided.

Abstract: An ostomy system includes an ostomy appliance, a monitor device, and a docking station for docking the monitor device to the docking station.

Abstract: A stress urinary incontinence device is provided to limit or prevent leakage of urine in an individual. The device includes a body comprising an inner portion surrounded by an outer portion. The outer portion comprises biocompatible material and has a contact face opposing a guide face. The contact face is configured to occlude the urethral opening of the individual. A guide having an interior portion surrounded by an exterior portion projects from the guide face to aid in the application of the device onto the urethral meatus beneath the inner labia and above the vaginal opening of the individual. The device comprises materials that render it reusable.

Abstract: Provided is a mandibular advancement system including: an upper teeth seating part on which upper teeth of a user is placed; a lower teeth seating part on which lower teeth of the user is placed; a driver connected to the upper teeth seating part and the lower teeth seating part and configured to change a relative location of the lower teeth seating part with respect to the upper teeth seating part; a detector configured to detect biometric information of the user; and a controller configured to control driving of the driver based on the biometric information provided by the detector, wherein the driver is disposed outside an oral cavity of the user.

Abstract: An intraoral device having a main body to be attached to maxillary teeth, the main body including a first region, a second region, and a third region. Mandibular anterior teeth are in contact with the first region. The mandibular anterior teeth in contact with the first region are moved toward the third region while being kept in contact with the second region, which causes the mandible to move anteriorly and superiorly.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an apparatus for a thermoelectric (TE) contrast therapy device and related methods. The thermoelectric contrast therapy device includes a control node (610) and a plurality of thermoelectric nodes (605). The control node electrically and mechanically connected to the plurality of thermoelectric nodes, the control node configured to direct the heating and cooling functions as well as timing functions. Each of thermoelectric nodes includes a thermoelectric module (105) structured with a supply side (115) and a waste side (120), a phase change material (110), a reservoir (725), a thermal sink (320), a spreader (125) and a controller (1010). The thermoelectric contrast therapy device pre-charges (1105) the PCM contained in the reservoir; provides (910) opposite heating and cooling functions using the supply side and the waste side of the thermoelectric module; and directs, using the controller, the heating and cooling functions as well as timing functions.

Abstract: Thermal therapy systems, devices, and methods of using the same disclosed. A localized hypothermia of the pancreas with a delivery and placement procedure in the stomach of a patient comprising a cooling balloon system is disclosed that can be used for the treatment of pancreatitis in a patient. The cooling balloon system can have mechanisms for affecting the pancreas without impacting or inducing hypothermia in the patient in a systemic fashion. The localized hypothermia system can have a simplified delivery system and can be intended to reduce patient discomfort while reducing the metabolic activity of the inflamed pancreas of the patient.

Abstract: An improved eye drop dispenser apparatus having a suspension frame or tip configured for retention of an eye drop. The eye drop is suspended on the suspension frame by surface tension and adhesion forces of the liquid, with the suspension frame held proximate to the eye of a user or patient. The eye drop contacts the eye, with the surface tension causing the drop to transfer to the eye. The dispenser apparatus is configured to connect to an eye drop reservoir either by positioning into the opening in the eye drop bottle in a neck of the bottle, by positioning over the exterior of the neck of the eye drop reservoir, or by positioning over a pre-existing dispenser tip of the eye drop reservoir.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to improve or restore vision by causing a rebooting of the visual system of an eye with modification of visual search, sampling and stimulation away from the preferred retinal locus of fixation of an eye to enhance neural integration and perception of visual information from within the field of view are described herein. Some embodiments cause transient, reversible or repeatable redirection of environmental light away from the preferred retinal locus of fixation of an eye to multiple retinal locations that are not the preferred retinal locus of fixation. Some embodiments reduce exposure of environmental light at the preferred retinal locus of fixation of an eye for a determinable interval at a determinable rate. Some embodiments cause a defocusing of environmental light at the preferred retinal locus of fixation in an eye with a visual impairment or loss.

Abstract: A self-contained ocular surgery instrument, including a power module having a body presenting a mating coupler and including a compressed gas supply; a fluid reservoir; an aspiration pump; an aspirated material reservoir and a control panel. The mating coupler is structured to receive and couple to at least one module that facilitates performance of an eye surgery task. The compressed gas supply is coupled to the aspiration pump and the aspirated material reservoir is in fluid communication with the aspiration pump to receive aspirated material from the mating coupler. The fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the mating coupler such that fluid is supplied under pressure to the mating coupler and thus to the at least one module that facilitates performance of an eye surgery task. The control panel is in controlling communication with the compressed gas supply, the aspiration pump and the aspirated material reservoir.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for removing a predetermined portion of soft tissue from a target tissue layer, thereby creating a channel between two side walls of the target tissue layer, are described. The medical device is a cutting tool comprising: an elongated round body extending along a longitudinal axis and having a uniform outer cross-section at a proximal side thereof; a cutting portion at a distal side of the elongated body, comprising at a distal end thereof a cutting edge of a first cross-section being smaller than said outer cross-section, and a distally and continuously decreasing outer cross-section; and a chamber extending along the longitudinal axis inside the cutting tool from said cutting portion, the chamber having dimensions enabling storing of the removed soft tissue portion inside the chamber thereby providing a validation to the channel creation.

Abstract: Systems and processes for facilitating the removal of material with a robotically assisted tool with laser, irrigation capabilities, aspiration capabilities. Tool guidance systems that make use of vision technologies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), white light imaging, and structured light imaging. Emulsification patterns optimized to minimize risk to the patient and reduce procedure time. Robotic tools with articulation capabilities that allow for precise control during capsulorhexis and emulsification procedures. Robotic instrument drive mechanisms combined with pumps, flow meters, and valves regulate and control irrigation and aspiration functionalities during robotic ophthalmologic procedures.

Abstract: A laser-surgical apparatus includes a laser emitting laser light with a narrowband wavelength distribution, a digital image sensor or a plurality of digital image sensors that separately record(s) different color channels that represent mutually different spectral wavelength distributions with in each case one maximum corresponding to a specific spectral color and produce(s) separate pieces of image information for the individual color channels, and a graphics module for combining the separate pieces of image information into one color image. In addition, it includes a manipulation module for suppressing the laser light in the color image, which makes it possible to electronically manipulate the pieces of image information of the color channel the spectral wavelength distribution of which has the largest overlap with the narrowband wavelength distribution of the laser light before the separate pieces of image information are combined or during the combining of the separate pieces of image information.