Abstract: An replacement for a human includes a body having a superior surface, an inferior surface, a distal surface, and a proximal surface. The proximal surface is configured to engage the talus and the calcaneus of an adult human, and the distal surface configured to engage at least the first and fourth metatarsals of the adult human. The distal surface has a largest distal height and a largest distal width that is greater than the largest distal height, and the proximal surface has a largest proximal height and a largest proximal width that is greater than the largest proximal height.

Abstract: An intradiscal shield and an exterior shield configured to prevent re-herniation and to provide structural integrity to a spinal defect within or on a spinal disc. An insertion instrument to insert the intradiscal shield within the spinal defect and attach the intradiscal shield or exterior shield to the spinal disc. The insertion instrument having a distal tip for spraying a protein crosslinking reagent within the spinal defect. The exterior shield configured for attaching to the exterior wall of the spinal disc and blocking an exterior opening of the spinal defect.

Abstract: Interbody spacers are expandable horizontally and vertically by an application of axial force, and lockable in an expanded configuration. The spacers include support members interconnected to end bodies by pivotable link members. The spacers are introduced between vertebral bodies in a compressed configuration and expanded to fill the intervertebral space and provide support and selective lordotic correction. Graft material may be introduced into the expanded spacer. Provisional and/or supplementary locking means lock the spacers in the expanded configuration. Embodiments of the spacers include symmetrically and asymmetrically configured spacers. Methods of expansion include symmetric expansion or asymmetric expansion along each of two directions.

Abstract: An implant may include a body having a leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, and an intermediate portion. The leading edge portion may include a substantially smooth surface forming a substantial majority of a leading edge surface and the trailing edge portion may include a monolithic structure including at least one receptacle configured to receive an insertion tool. The intermediate portion may include a plurality of elongate curved structural members continuously formed with at least one of the leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion. In addition, the elongate curved structural members may be configured such that the intermediate portion remains substantially rigid under compressive forces during insertion of the implant between bone surfaces of a patient. Also, the elongate curved structural members may include an elongate curved structural member extending longitudinally from the leading edge portion to the trailing edge portion and having a substantially sinusoidal configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable interbody device used for interbody operations on the spinal column and belongs to the field of medical equipment.

Abstract: In some embodiments, system and/or method may include an intervertebral implant for a human spine including an upper body, a lower body, first and second expansion members, and an expansion mechanism. A superior surface of the upper body may function to engage a first vertebra of the human spine. An inferior surface of the lower body may function to engage a second vertebra of the human spine. The first expansion member may include at least a first angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. The second expansion member may include at least a second angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. An expansion mechanism may convey, during use, the first and second angled portions in opposing directions increasing a separation distance between the upper body and the lower body.

Abstract: An implant may include a body having a first blade having a first retracted position in the body and a first extended position where the first blade extends outwardly from the body, a second extendable blade, and a blade actuating member configured to translate through the body in directions parallel to the lateral axis. When the blade actuating member is moved in a first direction along the lateral axis, the first blade moves towards the first extended position; and in the first extended position, the first blade extends from the superior surface at a first non-zero angle with respect to the superior-inferior axis; and the second blade moves towards a second extended position in which the second blade extends from the inferior surface at a second non-zero angle with respect to the superior-inferior axis.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine is provided. The upper surface and the lower surface of the implant each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the upper and lower surfaces define a through-hole having an inner surface extending through the spacer body. A first and second sidewalls extend from a front end and a back end, wherein the first and second sidewalls are configured with engagement portions positioned in close proximity to the front end and the back end. The front end and the back end are configured with a threaded hole for receiving an instrument for inserting the intervertebral implant into the intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: A facet fusion tube assembly includes an elongated tube that defines a working channel to accept tools, instruments or materials for conducting a facet fusion. The tube includes a clip on its outer circumference that is configured to engage the outer surface of an adjacent tool or instrument used to access and engage the pedicle. A centering cap can be mounted at the proximal end of the elongated tube to align and center a working tool, such as a burring tool. An inner removable rod can extend through the tube to prevent soft tissue migration into the tube during insertion, and can be used for bone graft packing once the facet joint or other area of the spine is prepared for fusion. In use, the tube is clipped onto an adjacent instrument or tool to anchor the facet fusion tube assembly in a proper orientation relative to the facet joint.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning and orienting an orthopedic implant that includes an implant body; a sensor system integrated into the implant body, the sensor system comprising of at least a plurality of electrodes positioned within the implant body such there is at least one exposed region on the surface of the implant body for each electrode of the plurality of electrodes; a sensor processing control system communicatively coupled to the sensor system, the sensor processing control system configured with instructions that when executed cause the sensor processing control system to collect sensor data from the sensor system and generate adjacency data from the sensor data; and an implant feedback system, that updates state based in part on the adjacency data.

Abstract: A prosthesis or orthosis housing, including a cylinder configured to receive a piston of a piston and cylinder assembly, a pump section configured to receive part of a pump, and a plurality of passages connecting the cylinder to the pump section, the plurality of passages being smoothly curved along their lengths and devoid of any right-angle bends, wherein the cylinder, the pump section, the plurality of passages, and the prosthesis or orthosis housing form a unitary piece.

Abstract: An adjustable seal system, seal component for use in the system, and method are provided for forming a sealing interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The seal component is selectively placed over the outer surface of a suspension liner including a plurality of seal bands, which the seal component may removably and securely engage.

Abstract: A balloon expandable branching stent prosthesis are discussed herein. The balloon expandable branching stent prosthesis includes a trunk portion including a trunk portion stent frame, a first branching portion including a first branching portion stent frame, a second branching portion including a second branching portion stent frame, and a cover coupling the trunk portion stent frame, the first branching stent frame, and the second branching stent frame together forming a bifurcated stent, wherein the trunk portion stent frame, the first branching portion stent frame, and the second branching portion stent frame are spaced apart from each other with the cover disposed therebetween. A crotch portion of the balloon expandable branching stent prosthesis is disposed between the trunk portion, the first branching portion, and the second branching portion and the crotch portion is reinforced to prevent radial infolding of the cover.

Abstract: An extravascular access system includes a tubular stent configured to be deployed in a blood vessel, the stent having a sidewall and a proximal end opening and an internal scaffolding comprising one or more structural members, and an elongate access catheter having a distal end portion configured to access the blood vessel wherein when the stent is deployed in the blood vessel, and the distal end portion of the catheter is inserted into the proximal end opening of the stent, the one or more internal structural members of the stent deflect the distal end portion of the catheter towards a wall of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A stent including a hybrid network cluster of open cells and closed cells arranged wherein said closed cells are connected in a configuration to be resheathable. Open cells are not connected and the stent can be unsheathed to enhance flexibility. In one embodiment a ring of proximal closed cells are tapered and the stent is retrievable by engagement of a pushwire assembly.

Abstract: A passive stent removal device, system and method using a series of capturing steps to grasp a stent smoothly and consistently for removal.

Abstract: A vascular stent for treating a patient that can be manipulating remotely when the vascular stent is in a compressed configuration or in an expanded configuration. The vascular stent comprises a plurality of strings that can be used to open fenestrations on the vascular stent, manipulate the frame of the vascular stent, or shift the vascular stent within a vessel of a patient.

Abstract: Expandable branching stent prostheses and methods of deployment for the same are discussed herein. An expandable branching stent prosthesis may include a trunk portion, a first branching portion, and a second branching portion that are for deployment at, respectively, a trunk, a first branch, and a second branch of a branching implant site of an anatomical system. Methods for deploying the expandable branching stent prostheses include delivering a deployment system including the expandable branding stent prostheses, a balloon, a distal end of a floss wire, and in some cases a sock to the branching implant site; connecting, to the floss wire, a distal end of a snare wire delivered to the branching implant site via the second branch, and using the two floss wires to manipulate the deployment system to effectuate the deployment. In some cases, the sock may be pulled down over the balloon after the deployment.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a stent to a body lumen. The delivery system includes a tubular member having an expandable stent disposed about the outer surface of the inner tubular member. The stent is maintained in a radially compressed configuration with a removable sheath. The sheath can be released using a variety of techniques.

Abstract: A foot orthosis for correcting foot malpositions, in particular for treating hallux valgus, comprising a toe segment configured to be fastened to a toe and a ball segment configured to be arranged in the region of a metatarsophalangeal joint which are pivotably connected relative to one another by means of a joint unit. When the foot orthosis is property fastened to the foot, the foot orthosis is configured to exert a first corrective force on the toe via the toe segment and to exert a second corrective force on the metatarsophalangeal joint via the ball segment in the opposite direction to the first corrective force. The toe segment is provided in the form of a bracket which, in the fastened state, at least partially engages around the toe.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system and/or method may include an external spinal brace system. The system may include a plurality of support mechanisms including at least first and second support mechanisms. The first support mechanism may be coupled, during use, to the second support mechanism such that the first and second support mechanisms are inhibited from decoupling. In some embodiments, the system may include a coupling system. The coupling system may couple the plurality of support mechanisms to a subject such that the plurality of support mechanisms are positioned, during use, along at least a portion of the subject's spine. In some embodiments, the external brace system applies a posterior distraction force to the subject.

Abstract: Body waste collecting system arranged to collect body waste from a user, said system comprising: a) an attachment member arranged to be attached to the user, said attachment member comprising an opening which is arranged to be in fluid communication with the anus or a stoma of the user and an attachment flange which is arranged to encircle said opening and which is arranged to be attached to the perianal or peristomal skin surrounding the anus or stoma of the user respectively such that a fluid tight seal is established between the attachment flange and the perianal or peristomal skin of the user entirely around the anus or the stoma respectively, said attachment flange having an outer width which is larger than the width of the conduit near the first end of the conduit, said attachment flange being provided with a skin friendly adhesive on a skin contacting surface of said attachment flange, b) a collection bag for collecting the body waste output, and c) a hollow conduit having a first end and a second end,

Abstract: In an example, a fecal collection system includes a user interface assembly, a drainage conduit, and a collection reservoir. The user interface assembly includes a user interface and an applicator. The user interface has a proximal side and a distal side. The proximal side is configured to couple to skin of a user. The applicator is coupled to the distal side of the user interface. The applicator is removable from the user interface while the user interface is coupled to the user. The drainage conduit extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured to couple to the distal side of the user interface. The drainage conduit defines a lumen configured to guide feces from the proximal end to the distal end. The collection reservoir coupled to the distal end of the drainage conduit.

Abstract: Systems, and methods for collecting discharged fluids. A fluid collection system (100) includes a fluid collection device (102) configured to collect fluid discharged from a user and a fluid collection container (106) configured to receive the fluid from the fluid collection device. The fluid collection system also includes a means for sensing (110) at least one of a property or status of the fluid collection system. The fluid collection system also includes a controller (112) operatively coupled to the sensor, the controller configured to communicate at least one of the property or the status of the fluid collection system to a computing device (114).

Abstract: Disclosed is a support for establishing an oral respiratory airflow channel for treatment of sleep-disordered breathing. Two sides of the U-shape support are used as a left support body and a right support body. The left support body and the right support body are placed in a left oral vestibule and a right oral vestibule respectively. Therefore, a first respiratory airflow channel, which is distributed from a space between a maxillary tubercle and a retromolar region to the cavity (1) along outer peripheries of dentitions and gingivas via a pterygomandibular space, and a second respiratory airflow channel, which is formed by tiny spaces between an upper dentition masticatory surface and a lower dentition masticatory surface and enables communication between the proper oral cavity and an oral vestibule, jointly form the oral respiratory airflow channel.

Abstract: A dynamic dental appliance for bruxism treatment comprises a base configured to fit on either the upper dental arch or the lower dental arch of an individual; a pair of occlusal pads, one of the occlusal pads configured to overlie the left posterior teeth and the other of the occlusal pads configured to overlie the right posterior teeth; and a biasing mechanism acting between the base and the occlusal pads, the biasing mechanism configured to exert an adjustable force against the occlusal pads when the occlusal pads are moved from a flat orientation towards a generally angled activated position.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a quick connect/disconnect system includes connecting a first coupling portion of a first connecting member to a fluid conductor and inserting a second coupling portion of the first connecting member within a third coupling portion of a second connecting member. The method further includes inserting the third coupling portion within a ring assembly which is rotatably coupled to the first coupling portion and engaging a mating feature on an external surface of the third coupling portion with a mating feature on an internal surface of the ring assembly. The method also includes rotating the ring assembly about the third coupling portion while the first mating portion is engaged with the second mating portion; and forcing the second coupling portion to move further within the third coupling portion by rotation of the ring assembly.

Abstract: Micro-droplet delivery devices and methods are described where the device may comprise a piezoelectric actuator having a piezoelectric chip that is operatively coupled to a drug package under a preloading force. The actuator is configured to generate an acoustic pressure within the drug package to dispense droplets of an agent from an aperture, e.g., to the corneal surface of the eye. The piezoelectric actuator can be coupled or decoupled from the drug package.

Abstract: Provided herein are electrotransfer devices for delivering agents (e.g., nucleic acid vectors) to target cells. Also provided are methods of electrotransfer of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A contact lens may include a lens comprising a hydrogel configured to be worn on an eyeball. A contact lens may include an electronic component fully encapsuled within the lens, wherein the electronic component may include a sensor, a battery, a supercapacitor, an electronically controlled microfluidic channel, or combinations thereof. Methods for producing such a contact lens are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for marking a corneal surface of an eye includes a planar base having a central opening, a marking side, and a non-marking side, a linear marker extending across the central opening, and an outer circumference of the planar base having a wall extending vertically away from the non-marking side.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in various embodiments, an instrument shield for a robotic surgical system comprising eye shield(s) and/or a face shield mounted on the instrument to protect surgeons from contaminants.

Abstract: A vented wound dressing barrier includes one or more membrane layers with a plurality of vents. The vents are cut along a perimeter of the vents through the one or more membrane layers. Each vent having a connection portion uncut relative to the one or more membrane layers thereby forming a hinge configured to allow the vents to open for drainage when exposed to fluid underlying the vented wound dressing barrier. The plurality of vents is each cut along the perimeter without removal of any of the membrane layer. The one or more membrane layers with the plurality of vents has a surface for covering a wound, the surface area in the absence of a fluid pressing on the vents having no openings or voids which reduce the surface area of a vented wound dressing barrier area covering a wound.

Abstract: This disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods related to dressings with regions with different adhesive properties, and manufacture and use thereof. An illustrative dressing includes a first region including a first adhesive material. The first adhesive material has a first tackiness. The dressing further includes at least a second region including a second adhesive material. The second adhesive material has a second tackiness in a first phase and a third tackiness in a second phase. The third tackiness is greater than the second tackiness. The first adhesive material is configured to maintain the first tackiness when the second adhesive material in the second phase.

Abstract: Provided are buffered adhesive compositions comprising a high molecular weight non-neutralized polymeric acid and a high molecular weight partially neutralized polymeric acid and products such as wound dressings and ostomy skin barriers incorporating the compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting the healing of an exuding wound includes a cover layer for positioning over a wound to define a reservoir over the wound. An exudate conduit having a fibrous core includes a plurality of fibers communicates with the reservoir for wicking fluids away from the wound.

Abstract: A negative pressure drainage system is disclosed, including a dressing for being applied to a wound surface of a patient; a collecting device, buried in the dressing for collecting a pressure at the dressing in real time to obtain pressure data; a receiving device, wirelessly connected with the collecting device, where the collecting device wirelessly is configured for transmitting the pressure data to the receiving device. Enabling the negative pressure drainage system to satisfy the above structure is beneficial to collecting the pressure data at the dressing in real time, thereby realizing real-time monitoring of a negative pressure at the wound surface.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent structure comprising an open-celled absorbent foam material disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent article has been incrementally stretched along at least a first and second stretch direction, such that the topsheet and backsheet each comprise plastically stretched zones disposed substantially along a first plurality of lines of deformation being substantially perpendicular to the first stretch direction and a second plurality of lines of deformation being substantially perpendicular to the second stretch direction. The absorbent foam material is fractured substantially along the first and second plurality of lines of deformation into a plurality of discrete foam pieces that are separated from neighboring pieces by a gap. An adhesive is positioned between the topsheet and the discrete foam pieces and bonds the discrete foam pieces to the topsheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to features of durable absorbent pants (for example, underwear briefs) to be worn for containing and absorbing discharges resulting from urinary incontinence, where the pants exhibit acceptable absorbency and improved bending properties.

Abstract: A highly extensible nonwoven web is provided. The highly extensible nonwoven web may include continuous multi-component fibers. The continuous multi-component fibers may include polypropylene, wherein the polypropylene has a crystallinity of less than about 41%. The polypropylene may have a melting temperature of less than about 161° C. The highly extensible nonwoven web may define a plurality of apertures. The apertures may be patterned. The highly extensible nonwoven web may form a portion of an absorbent article.

Abstract: Disposable absorbing closures for liquid and semi-liquid intestinal wastes from intestinal openings. In particular, an absorbent insert device for insertion through an ileostomy of a subject, the device being configured to absorb and/or collect intestinal waste inside the ileum of the subject to form a leak-tight closure of the ileostomy, the device including: an expandable elongated body having an initial length and including an absorbent material, and withdrawal means attached to the elongated body, wherein the expandable elongated body is configured to: expand radially upon insertion into the ileum through the ileostomy; and optionally expand longitudinally thereby increasing the length of the elongated body inside the ileum.

Abstract: A fluid management layer having an integrated, carded, nonwoven is described. The fluid management layer has a basis weight of between about 115 grams per square meter (gsm) and about 200 gsm; a plurality of absorbent fibers; a plurality of stiffening fibers; and a plurality of resilient fibers. The absorbent fibers make up from about 20 percent to about 60 percent by weight of the fluid management layer. The stiffening fibers have a dtex of between 4 and 10, and the resilient fibers have a dtex of between 3 and 12.

Abstract: An incontinence underwear including a crotch area hosting a stitching, a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, a sixth layer, and a seventh layer, wherein the first layer is innermost, wherein the seventh layer is outermost, wherein the second layer extends between the first layer and the third layer, wherein the fourth layer extends between the third layer and the fifth layer, wherein the sixth layer extends between the fifth layer and the seventh layer, wherein the stitching extends through the first layer, the second layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, wherein the stitching avoids extending through the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer, wherein the second layer is bonded or adhered to the third layer.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs having excellent fluid handling characteristics are disclosed. The nonwoven webs are made from a combination of binder fibers and structure fibers. The structure fibers are made from multicomponent, hollow fibers. The structure fibers include first polymer component zones that alternate with second polymer component zones around the circumference of the fiber. The first polymer component zone is made from a polymer having a lower melting temperature than the polymer contained in the second polymer component zone. In this manner, the fibers have a three-dimensional conformation that produces significant void volume within the nonwoven web.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a disposable absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction (x), perpendicular thereto, including an absorbent assembly having a first portion, a second portion and opposing side edges extending in the longitudinal direction (Y) from the first portion, and two elastic side portions arranged at the second portion, with an elastic side portion extending beyond the side edges in the transverse direction, be fastened to the first portion when the absorbent article is worn. Each of the elastic side portions carries at least one fastener that at least partly overlaps the side portion, defining an overlapping region between the fastener and the elastic side portion, wherein the article includes a reinforcement material patch for each elastic side portion that is permanently attached to the elastic side portion, and the fastener is permanently attached to the reinforcement material patch.

Abstract: A patient transport device comprises a pair of straps overlaying each other; and a plurality of stich elements joining the straps to each other at junctions defining passages therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assistive mobility device convertible between a rollator mode and a transport chair mode.

Abstract: A patient rotation device including an armature and a patient engagement assembly. The armature is structurally configured for attachment to an outside structure. The armature has a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The patient engagement assembly includes a housing and a rotational assembly. The housing is attachable proximate the second end of the armature. The rotational assembly includes an axle and a rotational member. The rotational member is rotationally coupled to one of the housing and the armature, and structurally configured to be being positionable over a surface of a bed. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) of a patient bed is used by a caregiver to manually enter location data indicative of a location in a healthcare facility at which the patient bed is located. A first screen for manually entering location data is displayed on the GUI after a threshold period of time elapses subsequent to a power plug of the patient bed being plugged into an alternating current (AC) outlet of the healthcare facility and subsequent to casters of the patient bed being braked. A voice prompt is also given from the patient bed after the threshold period of time elapses to remind the caregiver to manually enter the location data. After manual entry of the location data, circuitry of the patient bed transmits the location data entered by the caregiver and a bed identification (ID) from the bed for receipt by a remote computer for purposes of making a bed-to-room association.

Abstract: An adjustable lift chair having a frame supporting a seat that can be moved from a horizontal position to an upright angular position. The lift chair providing those with physical limitations the ability to move from a seated position to a standing position. The lift chair having a particular use in a bathroom wherein the chair can be used in a shower, bath, or for use as a toilet overlay. A piston device coupled to a battery provides portability, the piston device is operated by a remote controller.