Abstract: A medical dressing for application at a treatment area of a human body is provided. The dressing comprises a border area surrounding a central inspection area which is intended to be placed over said treatment area. The dressing also comprises a pad which may be arranged in the central inspection area and may be at least partly removed from the central inspection area for enabling visual inspection of the treatment area. There is also provided a medical dressing system and a method for reducing the workload for nursing personnel.

Abstract: Dressing or bandage for protecting a wound accidentally incurred, surgical incision deliberately made in the skin, epidermal delivery of medication, or musculotherapy of a human being or animal, said bandage/dressing having the primary characteristic of being significantly atraumatic upon removal of same by virtue of a novel stringlike member that is intentionally incorporated into or debossed into the construction of said parent bandage/dressing in a multi-spiral geometry, said stringlike member firstly being pulled gently and progressively in multiple turns around the wound site or epidermal treatment area to in effect significantly reduce the area of remaining/undisturbed adhesive between the bandage/dressing and patient's skin before the bandage/dressing is peeled away from the skin in conventional manner and thus affording the patient a significantly less traumatic experience.

Abstract: A skin fissure mitigation device includes a base and a sidewall coupled to the base in a concave arrangement to define a cavity structured to receive a heel of a foot of a user. The device includes an adhesive on a surface of the base or sidewall or both facing the heel of the foot of the user to adhere the device to the foot of the user. At least one of the base and the sidewall include an elastic material structured to apply tension to a bottom surface of the foot of the user to close skin fissures on the bottom surface of the foot of the user. The base and sidewall may also include tabs for increasing the tension in the device.

Abstract: A drool guard (1) that is worn in the mouth to capture excess saliva and prevent drool from escaping a user's mouth while sleeping and when in public.

Abstract: A method for treating a female urinary incontinent patient is provided. The method comprises the steps of accessing a urethra or a neck of a urinary bladder through an opening in the vaginal wall of the patient; implanting a hydraulic or mechanical powered restriction device in connection with the urethra or the neck of the urinary bladder, wherein the powered restriction device is configured to decrease a cross-sectional area of the urethra or the neck of urinary bladder in order to stop or decrease the flow of urine through the urethra or the neck of the urinary bladder, implanting an energy source, using a vaginal approach or using a vaginal approach in combination with a skin incision; and connecting the powered restriction device directly or indirectly to the energy source, to power the powered restriction device.

Abstract: A device and method for repair of a patient's aorta is disclosed. The device includes a first component including an outer diameter equal to a first diameter, a second component attached to a distal end of the first component, and a plurality of third components positioned in a chamber defined in the second component. The second component includes a proximal surface extending outwardly from the distal end of the first component, and a plurality of openings defined in the proximal surface. Each third component includes a passageway extending inwardly from an opening of the plurality of openings defined in the proximal surface. Each passageway is sized to receive a tubular conduit, and the proximal surface has an outer edge that defines a second diameter greater than the first diameter.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) muscle device includes a first CNT yarn. The first CNT yarn includes: one or more first CNT sheets wrapped in the form of a tube; and a first guest actuation material infiltrating the one or more first CNT sheets.

Abstract: An anchor for a prosthetic heart valve includes a core, a first cover layer, and a second cover layer. The core includes a plurality of helical turns. One or more outflow turns of the plurality of helical turns has a diameter configured to be disposed on an outflow side of a native valve, and one or more inflow turns of the plurality of helical turns has a diameter configured to be disposed on an inflow side of a native valve. The first cover layer is disposed over and contacts the helical core, and the first cover layer includes a first material. The second cover layer is disposed over and contacts the first cover layer, and the second cover layer includes a second material, which is different than the first material.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis includes a stent and a prosthetic valve. The stent includes an inflow portion, an outflow portion, and a transition portion extending between the inflow portion and the outflow portion. The transition portion includes a plurality of axial frame members, and three of the plurality of the axial frame members are commissure posts. At least two of the plurality of the axial frame members are commissure posts having a first end connected to a crown of the inflow portion and an unattached second end disposed within the outflow portion such that a pair of struts of the outflow portion intersect each commissure post at a mid-portion thereof. The prosthetic valve is configured to substantially block blood flow in one direction to regulate blood flow through a central lumen of the stent.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve has a base stent that is deployed at a treatment site, and a valve component configured to quickly connect to the base stent. The base stent may take the form of a self- or balloon-expandable stent that expands outward against the native valve with or without leaflet excision. The valve component has a non-expandable prosthetic valve and a self- or balloon-expandable coupling stent for attachment to the base stent, thereby fixing the position of the valve component relative to the base stent. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available to valve with a sewing ring and the coupling stent attaches to the sewing ring. The system is particularly suited for rapid deployment of heart valves in a conventional open-heart surgical environment. A catheter-based system and method for deployment is provided.

Abstract: A valve catheter is advanced through a patient's vasculature while a prosthetic heart valve is attached to flexible extensions along a distal end thereof. The valve catheter is advanced through a tubular sleeve for exposing the prosthetic heart valve and allowing the prosthetic heart valve to self-expand while the extensions remain attached to the prosthetic heart valve. A release mechanism on a handle portion is actuated for releasing the prosthetic heart valve from the extensions, thereby implanting the prosthetic heart in a native heart valve. If the operator is not satisfied with the initial expansion, the prosthetic heart valve may be reoriented before release from the extensions by retracting the prosthetic heart valve back into the tubular sleeve, adjusting the orientation of the prosthetic heart valve and then re-advancing the valve catheter from the tubular sleeve for allowing the prosthetic heart valve to re-self-expand at a more desirable location.

Abstract: An apparatus for partially supporting a leaflet of a regurgitant heart valve includes at least one subvalvular device including a subvalvular supporting portion and an anchor portion. The subvalvular supporting portion and anchor portion are each at least partially formed from at least one of braided mesh strands of a first configuration, braided mesh strands of a second configuration, a balloon, a plurality of longitudinally extending struts, and a plurality of laterally extending struts. A connector neck is interposed longitudinally between, and is attached to both of, the subvalvular supporting portion and the anchor portion. The connector neck penetrates longitudinally through at least one of a base of the leaflet and an annulus of the heart valve at a manufactured puncture site.

Abstract: In one representative embodiment, an implantable prosthetic device comprises a spacer body portion configured to be disposed between native leaflets of a heart, and an anchor portion configured to secure the native leaflets against the spacer body portion. The prosthetic device can be movable between multiple configurations. The spacer body can be configured to extend radially outwardly as the spacer body extends away from the distal end toward the proximal end. A delivery apparatus can have a first shaft and a second shaft, wherein movement of the first shaft relative to the second shaft moves the anchor portion relative to the spacer body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant comprising an implant body having a first surface area configured for contact with soft connective tissue and a second surface area configured for contact with bone tissue, wherein the first surface area is covered with a coating comprising tantalum and the second surface area is formed by a material, which is different than the one forming the coating.

Abstract: A method of forming an implant having a porous tissue ingrowth structure and a bearing support structure. The method includes depositing a first layer of a metal powder onto a substrate, scanning a laser beam over the powder so as to sinter the metal powder at predetermined locations, depositing at least one layer of the metal powder onto the first layer and repeating the scanning of the laser beam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a humeral head and cup trials, a system for humeral trialing, and a method for removing a humeral head and cup trial from a humeral stem. The humeral trial may include a first portion, a second portion, and a post extending from the second portion. The first portion may define an articular surface. The post may define a first length in a first configuration and a second length in a second configuration. The first length may be greater than the second length. The post may change from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving the first portion with respect to the second portion.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a glenoid implant with a body and a keel. The body includes an articulation surface and a bone facing surface, and the keel has a depth that extends from the bone facing surface to a free end of the keel. The keel has a first length and a first width, both measured in a plane perpendicular to a direction of the depth. The first length is measured perpendicular to the first width and is defined by a first distance from an inferior end of the keel to a superior end of the keel. The first width is measured at a first location adjacent to the inferior end, and the keel has a width dimension along a first portion of the keel from the first location to the superior end that tapers from the first location toward the superior end.

Abstract: A method for treating a spine includes the steps of: creating a surgical pathway in a body along a first surgical approach to a surgical site including vertebral tissue; creating a surgical pathway in the body along a second surgical approach to the surgical site including the vertebral tissue; disposing a fulcrum with an intervertebral disc space of the vertebral tissue via the first surgical approach; and manipulating the vertebral tissue via the second surgical approach. Spinal implants, surgical instruments and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal jack adapted for installation between first and second vertebral processes, including first and second inter-expandable jack halves arranged between retracted and expanded positions. Each of the jack halves further includes gripping portions adapted for engaging the vertebral processes. A geared mechanism provides for expanding or retracting the jack halves in order to establish a corrected adjusted orientation between the processes.

Abstract: A spinal jack adapted for installation between first and second vertebral processes, including a central body supporting first and second inter-expandable jack halves between retracted and expanded positions. Each of the jack halves further includes gripping portions adapted for engaging the vertebral processes. A geared mechanism provides for expanding or retracting the jack halves in order to establish a corrected adjusted orientation between the processes.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions and an inner core disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space.

Abstract: An interbody spinal cage comprising: a body portion comprising a superior side, an inferior side and at least one lateral side connecting the superior side and the inferior side; and at least one endplate portion coupled to the superior side or the inferior side of the body portion, the at least one endplate portion comprising a unibody structure and operable to be fixedly coupled to an anatomical structure of a patient and decoupled from the superior side or the inferior side of the body portion.

Abstract: A methodology for grafting together adjacent bony structures is provided using an implant device having an endplate with an inner disc portion and outer ring portion spaced from the inner disc portion by a connecting wall disposed therebetween. An endplate interior surface includes a retaining structure for securing the endplate to one of the bony structures, and endplate an exterior surface has an integrally formed socket. A ball-joint rod has a longitudinally extending body and an end, and at least a portion of the ball-joint rod end is curvilinear in shape. The curvilinear ball-joint rod end is rotatably disposed in the endplate socket to fixedly interconnect the bony structures.

Abstract: Expandable fusion implants capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. The expandable intervertebral implant may be configured to transition from a collapsed configuration having a first width and a first height to an expanded configuration having a second width and a second height. The implant may include front and rear plates each having horizontal ramps configured to interface with corresponding horizontal ramps on actuators and front ramps of left and/or right side portion assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for intervertebral body fusion that provide more robust support within the disc space. Intervertebral body fusion devices can have a unitary monolithic body including a plurality of body segments interconnected with each other by flexure members. Devices be configured to be inserted through an opening in a compressed configuration and then expanded within the disc space to an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, devices can have a greater mediolateral or transverse to the disc space footprint. This wider footprint provides greater support for the vertebrae relative to the size of the opening through which the device is inserted.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together in order to replace degenerated discs and/or bones, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device includes a body and an extendable plate. The bone fusion device is able to be inserted between or replace the vertebrae by using a minimally invasive procedure wherein the dimensions and/or other characteristics of the bone fusion device are selectable based on the type of minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: A unique, universal Zero-Profile Expandable Intervertebral Spacer (ZP-EIS) device for fusion and distraction throughout the entire spine is provided which can be inserted via anterior, anterolateral, lateral, far lateral or posterior surgical approaches dependent on the need and preference. Multiple ZP-EIS embodiments each with unique mechanisms of calibrated expansion are provided. Two of these embodiments incorporate bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screws and five other embodiments do not incorporate BDFT screws. A tool for implantation into the intervertebral device and calibrated device expansion is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to expandable spinal implants, systems, apparatuses, and components thereof that can be used in spinal fusion and/or stabilization procedures, as well as methods of installation. The expandable spinal implants may be configured for lateral insertion.

Abstract: An expandable interspinous process fixation system capable of restoring spinal stability and facilitating fusion. In one embodiment, the expandable interspinous process fixation system includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. Each endplate supporting fixed and/or adjustable spinous process engaging plates.

Abstract: Expandable intervertebral spacer system having a top plate and a bottom plate which are separated and held apart a changeable distance forming a cage. The plates are held apart by four locking mechanisms in the cage at or near the corners or the periphery of the plates, leaving the cavity of the cage substantially unobstructed. Each locking mechanism is made of two saw-toothed posts that cooperate to lock the top plate a desired distance from the bottom plate. The saw-tooth posts are biased against each other with a spring. Once the spacer is implanted in a patient with a removable insertion tool, the top and bottom plates are forced apart incrementally, one saw tooth at a time, in a ratchet-like motion, using a removable expansion mechanism. Optionally, each stanchion is surrounded by a sheath to prevent bone particles and other debris from interfering with the mating of the saw teeth.

Abstract: An orthopaedic joint replacement system is shown and described. The system includes a number of prosthetic components configured to be implanted into a patient's knee. The system also includes a number of surgical instruments configured for use in preparing the bones of the patient's knee to receive the implants. A method or technique for using the surgical instruments to prepare the bones is also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee can include a variable-torque magnetorheological (MR) actuator assembly or braking system, a frame and an electronics assembly or system that also serves as a mount for the knee actuator and facilitates in monitoring and controlling the operation of the knee actuator. The prosthetic knee system advantageously provides resistive forces to substantially simulate the position and motion of a natural knee joint during ambulation and/or other locomotory activities performed by the amputee. The prosthetic knee can have a series of internal blades for providing resistive forces. A locking ratchet can be used to lock knee position. A dynamic seal with a protective shim can be disposed in the knee actuator. A coil with a non-circular cross-section can be used.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a prosthetic foot configured to attach to a residual limb, comprising an upper member, a lower member and compression torsion joint. The upper member comprises an upper flange, a mating post, and mounting portion configured to attach to the residual limb. The lower member comprises a mating portion, a lower flange, and a mounting portion configured to attach to the prosthetic foot. The compression torsion joint couples the upper member to the lower member and is configured to limit the vertical movement and torsional movement of the upper member with respect to the lower member.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments herein relate to a unique 4-bar linkage transmission provided between two adjacent links of a powered augmentation device that provides a varying mechanical advantage. Due to the kinematics of the linkage, the mechanical advantage between the actuator and the augmented joint varies with the position of the linkage. Thus, a high mechanical advantage can be provided in positions at which relatively high joint torque is required, and low mechanical advantage in positions at which relatively high joint speed is required. Consequently, the speed-torque (or velocity-force) operating area of the actuator can be consolidated by mapping the widespread output regions onto a smaller input region. This allows the actuator to be optimized for a narrower range of usage.

Abstract: A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.

Abstract: Embodiments include a prosthetic thumb device that includes a track configured to attach to a prosthetic socket, a carriage, and a locking mechanism. The carriage can include a first component that couples to the track such that the carriage is operable to move along the track, and a second component that is configured to couple with a prosthetic digit and operable to rotate with respect to the first component. The locking mechanism can be coupled to the carriage and configured such that, in a first state, it prevents the carriage from moving along the track in a first direction and, in a second state, it allows the carriage to move along the track in the first direction. Embodiments can also include the track having a curved profile, and the carriage is operable to move along the curved profile of the track.

Abstract: A medical device is provided comprising an at least one surface deposited with at least a first conformal coating and a second conformal coating deposited on the first conformal coating, wherein the first conformal coating comprises the first chemical substance and the second conformal coating comprises the second chemical substance. In some instances, the first coating is deposited over the first chemical substance and the second coating is deposited over the second chemical substance.

Abstract: A stent (scaffold) or other luminal prosthesis comprising circumferential structural elements which provide high strength after deployment and allows for scaffold to uncage, and/or allow for scaffold or luminal expansion thereafter. The circumferential scaffold is typically formed from non-degradable material and will be modified to expand and/or uncage after deployment.

Abstract: A guide sheath device with an integrated stabilization wire is provided. The guide sheath device includes an elongate member having a proximal and distal end and a lumen there between and a stabilization wire integrated to the elongate member.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for deploying a stent into a body lumen. A stent delivery system may include a sheath with a partially-tubular first portion made from a first material and a second portion made from a second material that is adhered to the first portion to form a tubular body. In some cases, the first material may be chemically incompatible with the second material such that the adhesion between the first portion and second portion is free from cross-linked bonds. The stent delivery system may further include a guidewire lumen with a distal tip that may be slidably disposed within the sheath and a tubular stent disposed between the guidewire lumen and an inside surface of the sheath. The sheath may be formed by coextruding the first material and the second material to form a striped tubular body of the sheath.

Abstract: An anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the patella during knee articulation so as to address patella tracking error, the anatomical brace being configured such that, when the anatomical brace is mounted to the knee of a patient, and when the knee thereafter moves to full extension, the anatomical brace applies a proximal/medial force to the patella of the patient, and when the knee thereafter moves to full flexion, the proximal/medial force is released.

Abstract: A cervical collar that facilitates therapeutic hypothermia is provided and includes a cooling device having a front portion and a back portion fixedly coupled to the front portion on one side and removably coupled to the front portion on an opposite side. A fastening device removably couples the back portion to the front portion on the opposite side. The cooling device induces hypothermia in at least a portion of a patient. A sensor is provided that measures a physical characteristic of the patient.

Abstract: A limb restraint includes a flexible limb sleeve and a strap. The limb sleeve permits a sleeper to insert or remove a limb into or out of the sleeve, intentionally while awake, yet inhibits unintentional removal of the limb from the sleeve by the sleeper while sleeping. The strap connects the limb sleeve to a mattress or bedframe so that the limb sleeve is in front of the sleeper while in a side-sleeping position, and with an upward-side limb of the sleeper inserted into the limb sleeve, so that the limb restraint maintains the sleeper in the side-sleeping position while asleep.

Abstract: A medical device for use in collecting bodily waste material from a patient. The medical device includes a single pouch having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a waste receptacle defined between the first side and the second side, the waste receptacle adapted to hold the bodily waste material. The medical device also includes a ring non-removably coupled to the single pouch. The ring is reconfigurable between a first configuration, in which the ring is adapted to be attached to an orifice of the patient and defines an aperture that permits access to the waste receptacle, thereby fluidly connecting the waste receptacle to the orifice of the patient, and a second configuration, in which the ring prevents access to the waste receptacle.

Abstract: A collecting implement includes a cylindrical body portion having a stretchability; and a hollow portion formed in the body portion, wherein the hollow portion includes an inlet portion which is formed such that one end side of the body portion is open and through which a material is introduced; and a collecting portion which is formed continuously from the inlet portion and contains the material. In the collecting portion, a predetermined part is more stretchable than a part of the collecting portion other than the predetermined part so that the predetermined part can bulge toward an outer side of the body portion when the material introduced from the inlet portion is contained.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments relate to a dental appliance that includes a first lower tooth seat configured to accommodate at least one lower tooth and having a first lower magnet coupled thereto. The dental appliance also includes a second lower-tooth seat configured to accommodate at least one lower tooth and having a second lower magnet coupled thereto. Further, the dental appliance includes a support structure coupling the first lower-tooth seat to the second lower-tooth seat. Further still, the dental appliance includes a first upper-tooth seat configured to accommodate at least one upper tooth and having a first-upper magnet coupled thereto, the first upper-tooth seat movably coupled to the first lower-tooth seat. Yet further still, the dental appliance includes a second upper-tooth seat configured to accommodate at least one upper tooth and having a second-upper magnet coupled thereto, the second upper-tooth seat movably coupled to the second lower-tooth seat.

Abstract: Dental appliances for preventing lisping. An aligner body is configured to apply orthodontic force to a patient's teeth within a dentition-receiving cavity to gradually align the patient's teeth. The dentition-receiving cavity includes a posterior teeth region having lateral walls configured to receive the patient's posterior teeth. The posterior teeth region includes occlusal cut-outs that are configured to expose occlusal surfaces of at least a portion of the patient's posterior teeth. The occlusal cut-outs allow opposing occlusal surfaces of the patient's posterior teeth to come close enough to touch each other while the device is worn over the dental arch of the patient to form an anterior seal between the patient's tongue and inner surfaces of the patient's anterior teeth in a manner as to minimize any temporary anterior bite opening, preventing lisping while the device is worn over the dental arch.

Abstract: A therapeutic device such as an eye mask or compress for delivery of moist heat therapy to a body part such as an eye of a human or animal subject. Example devices are configured to be worn with one or more eye coverage portions positioned over the subject's eye(s). The eye coverage portions have a front side configured for placement against the treated body part, and a back side opposite the front side. The eye coverage portions include recesses or retracted sections configured to be positioned over the wearer's cornea area. The shell of the eye coverage portions may further incorporate antimicrobial properties. Heat transfer mediums or fill materials can include hydrophilic zeolite, silica gel, and/or one or more phase change materials so as to provide controlled performance characteristics.

Abstract: A thermal management system and a method of heating a water-surface load or sub-water load. The system includes an electrochemical power source which generates electrical power and heat as a byproduct or coproduct. The electrolyte contained in the electrochemical power source is configured to transport the heat that is generated by the electrochemical power source to at least one water-surface load or sub-water load.

Abstract: A lacrimal drug delivery device includes a reservoir configured to hold a drug. The reservoir is moveable between a relaxed state and an expanded state. A connector is fluidly coupled to the reservoir and a lumen is formed in the connector wherein the drug is configured to flow from the reservoir to an delivery site through the lumen. A hydrogel is within the lumen and configured to absorb the drug from the reservoir and deliver the drug from the lumen at the delivery site. The hydrogel includes a first section which absorbs the drug at a first rate of absorption. A delivery guide is detachably coupled to the reservoir to deliver the reservoir into a lacrimal sac of a patient.