Abstract: A method of producing a multicolor glass-ceramic blank (10) for dental purposes. A glass-ceramic blank (10) is produced from at least a first material powder (18) and a second material powder (20), wherein the first material powder (18) and the second material powder (20) are different-colored and wherein at least one of first material powder (18) and second material powder (20) has nanoparticles (14) and/or glass-ceramic particles (16). The first material powder (18) and the second material powder (20) are introduced into a mold (22) in order to form at least one powder mixture aggregate (26). Additionally, the powder mixture aggregate (26) is compressed by hot pressing in order to form the glass-ceramic blank (10). A multicolor glass-ceramic blank (10) is obtainable by such a method and the multicolor glass-ceramic blank (10) is used as dental material.

Abstract: A dental apparatus that enables a user to controllably dispense one or more fluids during normal operation, including: a body, wherein the body includes a handle member and a flossing head; a floss member associated with the flossing head; and a fluid containing reservoir, wherein the fluid containing reservoir includes a fluid dispensing aperture proximate the floss member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a personal care device, including: a handle assembly configured for holding, and the handle assembly includes a handle barrel and a top light ring, where the handle barrel has a main extension line extending along an axial direction of the handle assembly, and a first end and a second end provided opposite to each other, the main extension line extends from the first end to the second end; the top light ring is provided with a clamping part, the top light ring is clamped with the first end through the clamping part, and a part of the top light ring extends into the handle barrel from the first end; a first seal is provided between the handle barrel and the top light ring and configured to seal a gap between the top light ring and the handle barrel.

Abstract: An applicator includes an applicator head with an applicator and an elongate body part. The applicator is made from two parts of different material and includes two kinks, with one of the two kinks being arranged at a part of the applicator where the two different parts at least partially overlap one another.

Abstract: The disclosure provides improved methods and devices to create a hammock effect to stabilize the urethra without creating an incision in the abdomen or the vagina, and without using a surgical mesh. Such implementations can also leave no permanent material in the body. The simplicity afforded by such procedures and methods permits treatment of patients on an outpatient basis, and avoids risks and disadvantages associated with the installation of a permanent mesh.

Abstract: Packaging systems and methods for wet storage and/or shipping of prosthetic heart valve or other medical devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Stents and/or endoluminal implants for extending across two non-adherent structures/tissues. An illustrative stent may comprise an elongated tubular body having a scaffolding forming a plurality of cells and a coating disposed over an outer surface of the elongated tubular body. The coating may comprise a first micro-porous layer and a macro-porous layer including a plurality of loops disposed over the micro-porous layer.

Abstract: A dissolvable stretch ring including a biodegradable polymer positioned on or adjacent to at least one haptic of an intraocular lens (IOL) is described. The dissolvable stretch ring can be included in an IOL arrangement, comprising an IOL an IOL body and at least one haptic extending directly or indirectly from the IOL body, and the dissolvable stretch ring. A method of implanting an IOL into an eye of a subject including the steps of inserting an IOL comprising an IOL body and at least one haptic extending directly or indirectly from the IOL body into the capsular bag of the eye and positioning a dissolvable stretch ring comprising a biodegradable polymer on at least one haptic of the IOL is also described.

Abstract: Intraocular lens (IOL) designs include having an optic with an anterior surface and a posterior surface surrounded by an optic edge. In some examples, the IOL has a plurality of haptics, each attached to the optic at a gusset, where each gusset extends beyond the optic edge toward an optic center such that the gusset at least partially overlaps with the anterior surface of the optic. In some examples, the IOL includes a ring structure integral with the optic and surrounding the perimeter of the optic edge, the ring structure having a thickness and the optic edge having a thickness, the ring structure thickness greater than the optic edge thickness.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ophthalmic lens (such as an IOL) that is designed to enhance depth of focus for intermediate vision performance, while maintaining distance vision. The lens may include an optic having an anterior surface and a posterior surface disposed about an optical axis. One of the surfaces (e.g., the anterior surface) may have a surface profile involving a superposition of at least three structures or profiles, including a base structure, a phase shift structure having an inner region, an outer region and a transition region, and a zonal structure having an inner power zone and an outer transition zone.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a three-lens IOL system including a first, anterior lens, a second, posterior lens rigidly connected to the first lens by at least one rigid member such that the second lens is a fixed distance from the first lens along an axis, a third, center, moveable lens positioned between the first lens and the second lens and adapted to move linearly along the axis anteriorly in a direction of the first lens or posteriorly in a direction of the second lens to change an optical power of the system, and an articulating actuator that contacts the moveable lens and a capsular bag of an eye when the IOL system is implanted in the capsular bag, the articulating actuator adapted to move the moveable lens linearly along the axis.

Abstract: An injector for injecting an IOL into an eye, comprising an injector body having a lumen wall defining a lumen, a plunger having a longitudinal axis and a soft tip at a distal end of the plunger. The soft tip having a concave distal surface. In a plane including the longitudinal axis, the plane being perpendicular to an IOL optical axis when the IOL is located at a staging area of the injector body, the concave distal surface extending in a direction at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The concave distal surface may be oval-shaped in a plane perpendicular to the direction, and the concave distal surface has no curvature along the direction.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye, are provided. The apparatus comprises an IOL cartridge comprising a nozzle, a compartment, a plunger, and a plunger case. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the compartment, and the plunger case is in fluid communication with the compartment. The plunger is disposed within the plunger case. The plunger case includes flexible members extending from an outer surface of the plunger case. The IOL cartridge is configured to removably attach to a handpiece.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for storing and/or shipping an intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge are provided. A system comprises a packaging comprising a passage. The IOL cartridge is removably disposed within the passage. The IOL cartridge comprises a nozzle and a compartment configured to receive an IOL. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the compartment. The IOL cartridge further comprises a dial configured to rotate upon withdrawal of the IOL cartridge from the passage, wherein an inner surface of the dial is exposed to the compartment. The dial is configured to fold the IOL and release the IOL cartridge from the packaging upon rotation of the dial.

Abstract: An anchoring device for a cardiac valve is disclosed. The anchoring device includes a ventricular section (1), the ventricular section (1) includes an anchoring segment (11) and a capture segment (12), the anchoring segment (11) is in the form of a helical coil, a radius of curvature of the helical coil is constant and a distance between turns of the helical coil is the same, and the anchoring device does not include an atrial section. The anchoring device is made of an elastic material. The design of the anchoring device separating from the valve can provide an anchoring effect while allowing a delivery sheath of an associated delivery system to have a reduced radial dimension. During release of the anchoring device, the capture segment (12) can automatically capture the native leaflets or chordae tendineae. It is a modification of an existing anchor ring and dispenses with the use of a guide wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to anchor channels and subannular anchors for a transcatheter heart valve replacement, and in particular for an orthogonally delivered transcatheter prosthetic heart valve having a annular support frame having compressible wire cells that facilitate rolling and folding the valve length-wise, or orthogonally to the central axis of the flow control component, allowing a very large diameter valve to be delivered and deployed to the tricuspid valve from the inferior vena cava or superior vena cava, or trans-atrially to the mitral valve, the valve having a height of about 5-60 mm and a diameter of about 25-80 mm, without requiring an oversized diameter catheter and without requiring delivery and deployment from a catheter at an acute angle of approach.

Abstract: Described herein are annular frames for prosthetic heart valves that include commissure portions that are radially offset and/or are radially flexible relative to the rest of the frame. The commissure portions can extend radially outwardly from the rest of the frame such that they are positioned at a greater radius than the adjacent struts of the frame. The commissure portions can be cantilevered from the frame, such that only one axial end of the commissure portion is attached to the rest of the frame, allowing the commissure portions to flex radially inwardly and outwardly relative to the rest of the frame. Lateral arms can also couple upper ends of the commissure portions to adjacent apices to pull them in at larger diameters. The radial position of the commissure portions relative to the rest of the frame can affect the positioning of the leaflets and the effectiveness of the valve.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve includes a self-expanding frame having an upstream end and a downstream end. A plurality of anchors extends from the downstream end of the frame. A valve skirt is attached to the frame and a valve body is attached to the valve skirt, wherein the valve body includes leaflets for providing one-way flow through the replacement valve. The frame preferably includes a plurality of connector eyelets sized to receive at least one tether. The replacement heart valve is radially collapsible for delivery within a delivery device and radially expandable for engaging a native heart valve annulus upon release from the delivery device. The tether may be used to control expansion and/or adjust the diameter of the replacement heart valve during deployment.

Abstract: Various systems, devices and methods associated with the placement of a dock or anchor for a prosthetic valve. The anchor can comprise a plurality of coils adapted to support a valve prosthesis, the plurality of coils including an upper coil, one or more middle coils, and a lower coil. The upper coil can have a larger diameter than the one or more middle coils and the lower coil, and the upper coil is configured to engage a wall of an atrium of the heart at a position superior to and spaced axially from the mitral valve annulus after the plurality of coils have been fully delivered from the coil guide catheter.

Abstract: A flexible delivery catheter comprising an outer jacket with a first portion and a second portion, a coil layer, and a coupler. The first portion and second portion of the outer jacket have a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter where the second inner diameter is greater than the first inner diameter. The change in diameter from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter creates a shoulder. The coupler is coupled to the distal end of the outer jacket such that a cavity is formed by the coupler, the second portion of the outer jacket, and the shoulder of the outer jacket. A coil layer or hypotube is disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a catheter, and an inflatable balloon coupled to the catheter, the inflatable balloon forming a leading pillow and a trailing pillow spaced from the leading pillow, the leading pillow and the trailing pillow defining a valve seat therebetween to retain a prosthetic heart valve during tracking of the delivery device.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes an inner shaft, an outer shaft, and a distal sheath. The distal sheath may be disposed distal to the outer shaft and about a portion of the inner shaft to form a compartment with the inner shaft. The compartment may be sized to receive the prosthetic heart valve. The inner shaft and the distal sheath may be movable relative to one another. A spine may extend along the outer shaft, the spine biasing the outer shaft so that the outer shaft tends to bend in a pre-determined direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sequential deployment of a prosthetic valve using a delivery catheter are described. The delivery catheter may include a deployment assembly including an end cone, a distal sleeve, a prosthetic support, an anchor sleeve and an anchor support. The delivery catheter may further include a handle having a manipulator including a guide that is connect to the deployment assembly with a force transmission tube. The guide may have various channels for interfacing with a protrusion of the handle and may be guided by the protrusion to sequentially deploy the prosthetic valve from the deployment assembly. For example, the guide may cause the distal sleeve to release a distal end of the prosthetic valve and subsequently cause an anchor support to release a proximal end of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A catheter device for implanting a medical implant such as a prosthetic heart valve has a handle configured to control/steer multiple sheaths of the catheter device. A handle includes a grip portion, a rotatable deployment knob and a traveler. An outer sheath is connected to the traveler and the deployment knob is operatively connected to the traveler such that the traveler and thereby the outer sheath are moved along the longitudinal axis with respect to the inner sheath. The handle includes a rotatable axial positioning knob and a rotatable deflection knob. The deployment knob is arranged proximally to the axial positioning knob.

Abstract: A heart valve repair clip includes a stud, two arms operatively coupled to the stud and capable of transitioning between an open condition and a closed condition, and includes an indicator coupled to each of the two arms and moveable relative thereto.

Abstract: An artificial chordae system can comprise a surgical pad configured to be externally positioned over an opening formed in a portion of a heart wall adjacent to a heart ventricle, and a tether comprising a cord and a tissue ingrowth promoting coating over at least a portion of the cord, the tether comprising a distal portion being configured to couple a heart valve leaflet and a proximal portion being coupled to the surgical pad. The tether can be dimensioned to extend from the heart valve leaflet through the heart ventricle to the opening in the heart wall, and through the opening in the heart wall to the surgical pad. The tissue ingrowth promoting coating can comprise a protein and be configured to promote native tissue growth over the cord to provide regenerated native tissue over the tether for coupling the heart valve leaflet to the heart wall.

Abstract: Valvular regurgitation is addressed by implanting devices at or near a native valve to treat leaflet issues. This can be done by treating the leaflets and/or by treating one or more natural chordae tendineae (chords). Treating the leaflets can include methods and devices that bring different leaflets together, and/or inhibiting or arresting a leaflet from billowing and/or flailing into the atrium. Treating the chords can include methods and devices that shorten chords, that increase tension in the chords, that attach chords to the ventricle wall or to each other, and the like. In each of the disclosed methods and devices, coaptation is increased and/or valvular regurgitation is reduced. The disclosed devices and methods can be performed on a beating heart.

Abstract: The invention makes available a multi-part implant (10), comprising: a support element (20) for fixing the implant (10) to a bone material; wherein the support element (20) forms a receiving space; and a functional element (30) that can be introduced into the receiving space; wherein the functional element (30) can be fixed in the receiving space (26) by the support element (20) at least with respect to one degree of freedom.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting an implant anchored in bone with an external prosthesis component, such as a limb prosthesis, prosthetic elbow or finger, includes a main housing, having a first attachment connector portion for attachment to the implant system and a second attachment portion for attachment to the prosthesis component. The device further includes a safety mechanism to protect the implant system from high mechanical forces, including rotational forces or bending forces. The safety mechanism includes a rotational force release mechanism with a first component including a ring unit having an inner surface with at least one depression and a second component including at least one raised unit urged into contact with the recession by a fitting.

Abstract: An anti-rotation mechanism for a sacroiliac screw that is designed to prevent screw backout. The sacroiliac screw includes a screw head cap coupled to a screw implant. The anti-rotation mechanism includes geometric features on the screw head cap and/or screw implant that allows rotation in a first direction and prevents rotation in a second or opposite direction. The geometric anti-rotation mechanism for the sacroiliac screw is unique due to the self-contained mechanism within the screw assembly. There are no extra components or process steps required to achieve rotational fixation between the screw body and the screw head cap.

Abstract: A universal payload may be integrated with each of a plurality of different orthopedic implants configured to replace or functionally supplement a natural joint of a body. In one aspect, a universal payload includes an electronics assembly, a housing enclosing the electronics assembly, and a payload coupling feature configured to couple to each of a plurality of different orthopedic implants. The electronics assembly includes at least one sensor and a controller having at least two joint-specific modules. Each joint-specific module is respectively configured to collect kinematic data resulting from movement of a respective specific joint sensed by the at least one sensor. In another aspect, a universal payload includes an electronics assembly comprising at least one sensor and a housing enclosing the electronics assembly. The universal payload has a payload form factor that is configured to be at least partially inserted into a payload receptacle in each of a plurality of different orthopedic implants.

Abstract: In order to provide a tibial component for a knee joint endoprosthesis, wherein the tibial component comprises a tibial plate with a top side and a bottom side and comprises an anchoring projection protruding from the bottom side for insertion into the medullary space of a tibia to anchoring the tibial component to the tibia, said tibial component enabling an improved alignment on the tibia, it is proposed that the anchoring projection is mounted on the tibial plate so as to be pivotable and/or rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the anchoring projection. Furthermore, an improved knee joint endoprosthesis system is proposed.

Abstract: A modular artificial finger joint implant has a first finger joint module and a second finger joint module. The first finger joint module includes a first connecting structure connecting a first joint head element and a first joint root element. The second finger joint module includes a second connecting structure connecting a second joint head element and a second joint root element. A first articular facet of the first joint head element and a second articular facet of the second joint head element are slidable relative to each other. Since the modular artificial finger joint implant is modular in structure and has a variety of changeable combinations, manufacturers' costs on manufacturing and inventories can be reduced. Moreover, a surgery for replacing damaged parts can be performed, so as to reduce cost on replacing.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprising a major branched lattice formed in at least a portion of a middle portion of the spinal implant; and a minor branched lattice formed throughout the major branched lattice.

Abstract: A spinous process fixation device is provided. The spinous process device may include a transverse bridge member having a width that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, a first side plate that may be positioned at a first end of the transverse bridge and having at least one first grip projection, and a second side plate that may be positioned at a second end of the transverse bridge member and having at least one second grip projection. The first grip projection and the one second grip projection may each protrude towards the transverse bridge member.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method, apparatus, and system for a fusion of a facet joint., and more particularly, for a method apparatus and system for facet fusion that provides reliable facet joint stability and requires less invasive surgery. Methods include filling a cavity of a body of a device with a bone grafting material; inserting the body of the device between an inferior facet and a superior facet of a facet joint; and securing the inferior facet to the superior facet using the device.

Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

Abstract: A cage device includes first and second segments pivotally connected by a hinge. Pivoted movement of the segments with respect to each other is limited by a first stopper portion of the first segment abutting against a second stopper portion of the second segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: Expandable fusion devices, systems, and methods. The expandable fusion device includes one or more integrated deployable retention spikes configured to resist expulsion of the device when installed in the intervertebral disc space. The implant may include upper and lower main endplates, an actuator assembly configured to cause an expansion in height of the upper and lower main endplates, and a sidecar assembly including a sidecar carrier, an upper carrier endplate pivotably coupled to an upper spike, and a lower carrier endplate pivotably coupled to a lower spike such that forward translation of the sidecar carrier pushes against the upper and lower carrier endplates, thereby deploying the upper and lower spikes.

Abstract: An implant includes a housing; a blade having a retracted position in the housing and an extended position where the blade extends outwardly from the housing; and a blade actuating component comprising a driven shaft portion and a blade engaging portion. The blade actuating component can move the blade between the retracted position and the extended position. In addition, the blade engaging portion of the blade actuating component has a substantially U-shaped configuration defined at least in part by a superior surface and an inferior surface. Also, when the blade is in the extended position, the superior surface of the blade engaging portion of the blade actuating component is substantially flush with a superior surface of the housing, and the inferior surface of the blade engaging portion of the blade actuating component is substantially flush with an inferior surface of the housing.

Abstract: A powered KAFO device includes an electronic control system that provides an enhanced operation to better approximate a human gait cycle for enhanced mobility assistance. Multiple gait cycles of stance substate control and swing substate control are implemented to perform walking. During stance control, the control system measures an error between a desired and an actual knee joint component angle, and operates the actuator assembly of the powered mobility assistance device to control the knee joint component to stabilize the knee joint component. During swing control, the electronic control system measures an error between a desired and an actual knee swing trajectory, and operates the actuator assembly to control the knee joint component to adjust toward the desired swing knee trajectory. The gait cycle further may include a neutral substate that transitions from the stance substate to the swing substate, in which actuator assembly releases the knee joint component.

Abstract: A neurostimulator incorporating a novel chip design that uses the principle of redundant signal crossfiring to overcome electronic component mismatch error in general and transistor mismatch error in particular, to yield superior quality neurostimulation signal generation, useful in enhancing the bidirectional human-machine interface in prosthesis operation for the restoration of somatosensation for an amputee; and an improvement thereof additionally comprising a digital-to-analog converter device, that includes a number of unit cells, each unit cell being associated with a unit cell size indicating manufacturing specifications of the unit cell, and that further includes a plurality of switches, each being coupled to a component, and an output electrode coupled to the plurality of switches, and wherein the digital-to-analog converter device is configured to output an output signal at the output electrode.

Abstract: A prosthesis device can include a socket or a kit for forming a socket having a lanyard suspension system. In one example, the lanyard suspension system includes a tightening device having a housing, and tightening the lanyard gathers a tensioning line portion of the lanyard into an interior of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopaedic socket for bearing on and for receiving a limb stump or a limb, having at least one socket wall (2), a proximal access opening (3), a distal end (4) and at least one fastening device (5) which is arranged for fastening at least one distal orthopaedic component (6) to the socket (1), wherein at least one stiffening element (40) is arranged or formed on or in the socket wall (2), said stiffening element being assigned an adjustment device (30) and by means of which a stiffness of the socket wall (2) is reversibly variable at least in certain regions.

Abstract: A vascular implant may comprise at least a first layer having one or more drawn fill tube wires (DFT wires) and at least a second layer having one or more non-DFT wires. The first layer may be braided from only a single DFT wire, and the second layer may be braided from a plurality of non-DFT wire. A vascular implant may also include a connecting wire composed of a shape memory alloy and that is shape set prior to connection to one or more implant layers composed of DFT wires.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient's airway by coupling a deployment device to a bronchoscope at the working channel is disclosed. The coupling of such can hold the deployment device in a fixed position and allow for the precise placement of small airway stents within the lungs of a patient by a single practitioner. The fixed position may be adjustable over a range.

Abstract: A crimper (100) for crimping an interventional instrument (200) and a method for loading an interventional instrument (200). The crimper (100) includes a housing (10) with a through instrument channel (11); a plurality of force-applying blocks (20) which are movably installed in the housing (10) and distributed around the instrument channel (11), the plurality of force-applying blocks (20) have relative gathered and separated states and are configured to contract and expand the instrument channel (11) during switching the states; and a ring gear (40) which is rotatably matched with the housing (10) and configured to synchronously drive the plurality of force-applying blocks (20) to switch the states.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to delivery systems configured to position a distal portion of a medical device within a restricted anatomical area. In one example, a delivery system may include a flexible elongate member with an inner member within a lumen of the flexible elongate member. A stent may be constrained therebetween. The stent may be configured to move between a first configuration to a second deployed configuration when unconstrained from the flexible elongate member. When the stent moves from the first configuration to the second configuration, the inner member may change from a first length to a second, shorter length. Other embodiments are contemplated.

Abstract: A placement device 1 is a placement device for placing a stent graft 50 in a biological lumen, the placement device including: a sheath 11 in which the stent graft is accommodated; string-like converting means 14 that causes at least a portion of the stent graft in an axial direction to be maintained in a contracted state in a state in which the stent graft is released from the sheath and is able to convert the portion from the contracted state to an expanded state; and operating means 20 operated to place the stent graft in the biological lumen. The operating means has a first operating portion 20A for releasing the stent graft from the sheath, and a second operating portion 20B for releasing restraint of the portion of the stent graft by the converting means.