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

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

Abstract: A device and methods for intervertebral spinal fusion of adjacent intervertebral bodies. An intervertebral spacer is positioned within a narrow disc space between adjacent intervertebral bodies of a patient. The spacer is arranged with upper and lower guides. The guides are adapted to simultaneously guide the deployment of upper and lower anchors of an anchoring device into their respective intervertebral bodies. The spacer is also adapted to lock the upper and lower anchors to the spacer in the deployed position.

Abstract: Provided herein are bone graft delivery systems comprising a flexible plunger, a delivery gun, and a detachable offset cannula. Methods of delivering bone graft material using the bone graft delivery systems are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dismantlable inserters for use in spinal fusion implant procedures, methods for engaging an implant using such inserters, methods of disengaging an implant from such inserters, and methods for disassembling such inserters, as well as systems including such inserters and corresponding implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trial implant, in particular for spinal surgery, a total knee or hip endoprosthesis or a shoulder prosthesis, with at least one head, with at least one reinforcing core and with at least one stem, wherein the head is produced by means of 3D printing, and wherein the head and the stem are made of plastic.

Abstract: Hip arthroplasty trial systems and associated medical devices, methods, and kits are described that can be utilized in situ to complete a femoral head trial. An example embodiment of a hip arthroplasty trial system includes a medical device and a femoral stem. The medical device has a head member, a spacer, a shaft, and a locking member. The spacer is disposed within the head member and is moveable from a first position to a second position. The shaft is disposed within the head member and contacts the femoral stem. The shaft is moveable from a first position to a second position. Movement of the shaft from the first position to the second position moves the spacer from its first position to its second position. The locking member is disposed within the head member and releasably attaches the shaft to the head member.

Abstract: An electric prosthetic leg includes a below-knee member, an above-knee member, a knee joint mechanism coupling the below-knee member and the above-knee member such that angles formed between the below-knee member and the above-knee member are variable, and an expansion-contraction device capable of varying the angles formed between the below-knee member and the above-knee member by expanding and contracting, in which one side of the expansion-contraction device in an extending direction is mechanically connected to the below-knee member, and the other side of the expansion-contraction device is mechanically connected to the above-knee member. Assuming that smaller one of minimum formed angles, of the angles formed between the below-knee member and the above-knee member centering on a pivoting portion of the knee joint mechanism, is defined as a second formed angle, the expansion-contraction device is partially disposed on a side of a first formed angle.

Abstract: A gait assistance apparatus including at least one sensor configured to sense a step motion of a user, and an operator configured to determine assistance forces of a right step and a left step of the user based on step motion information of the user and adjust the assistance force for at least one of the right step or the left step of the user based on a result of proportionally adding together the assistance forces of the right step and the left step based on a variable ratio may be provided.

Abstract: A method for depositing a coating comprising a polymer and pharmaceutical agent on a substrate, comprising the following steps: discharging at least one pharmaceutical agent in a therapeutically desirable morphology in dry powder form through a first orifice; discharging at least one polymer in dry powder form through a second orifice; depositing the polymer and/or pharmaceutical particles onto said substrate, wherein an electrical potential is maintained between the substrate and the pharmaceutical and/or polymer particles, thereby forming said coating; and sintering said coating under conditions that do not substantially modify the morphology of said pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: An ankle and foot orthotic device biases the foot of a user into dorsiflexion to control drop foot and other conditions caused by neurological or muscular impairment; allowing a user to stand, walk, and participate in desired activities with greater ease and balance. The device resists rapid motions of the foot and assists the user in many aspects of walking including controlling the drop of the foot front after heel strike, stabilizing standing in a neutral position, and strengthening the ability to push off of the toes at the end of the stride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a joint bandage for a wrist or an ankle with a strap element, wherein the strap element has at least two elastic sections and at least one non-clastic section between the two elastic sections, wherein the second end of the strap element is reversibly fastenable to the strap element or to a tube element and/or wherein the strap element is at least 40 cm long.

Abstract: Introduced here are pressure-mitigation apparatuses for mitigating the pressure applied to a human body by the support surface of an object. The pressure-mitigation apparatus can include a series of chambers that can be individually controlled to vary the pressure therein. By varying the chamber pressure, the main point of pressure applied by the support surface to the human body may be moved across the surface of the human body. An attachment apparatus may be used to securely adhere the pressure-mitigation apparatus to the support surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a canister-less, compact and portable urine extraction and disposal device for extracting urine from individuals with limited mobility, disability, or a medical condition, which may be used as an extension to an external non-invasive urine capture device(s) to directly discharge urine into a urine disposal outlet, comprising an inlet tube, an outlet tube, a pump, a battery, a mounting bracket slot, and a charging port, wherein the urine extraction and disposal device extracts urine via the inlet tube and discards urine directly into a urine disposal outlet, such as a toilet, removing a need to carry a canister to collect urine to dispose later.

Abstract: Design method of an intraoral splint-type device (1) to treat bruxism and/or sleep apnoea among others, using CAD/CAM software technology, where the method of the invention starts with an intraoral scan and is subsequently characterized by converting the arch (2, 3) defined as a one-piece mesh, into as many pieces as dental pieces (4) needed to be discerned, by means of thermal simulation. This segmentation makes it possible to isolate the geometry of each dental piece (4) in order to design the intraoral device (1) around each dental piece (4). In other words, it allows for the modification of the thickness (6c), height, etc. in a non-uniform way for each dental piece (4) according to the needs of the patient. This method allows the user very precise manipulation of the intraoral device (1) that is created, satisfying the mechanical and dental needs of each dental piece (4), and providing greater comfort to the patient.

Abstract: A combined type hand warmer is provided, including a first heating unit, a second heating unit, a connection portion, and a locking portion, wherein the connection portion includes an insertion block located on the first heating unit and a connection block located on the second heating unit; the connection block is provided with an insertion slot matched with the insertion block; the locking portion includes a movement hole located on an inner surface of the first heating unit, a lock hole located on an inner surface of the second heating unit, and an elastic sheet mounted in the first heating unit; and the elastic sheet is provided with a locking piece located in the movement hole and matched with the lock hole.

Abstract: A thermal control device for an ocular surgery system is provided, including a fluid heater interface module (FHIM) having an inflow port for receiving balanced salt solution (BSS) from the ocular surgery system, an outflow port for dispensing the BSS to a probe of the ocular surgery system, and internal heat transfer channels between the inflow port and the outflow port. A heating element is disposed adjacent to the FHIM to heat the heat transfer channels in the FHIM. A temperature sensor is disposed adjacent the outflow port. A microcontroller is provided to control heat output from the heating element. A user interface is provided with an outlet temperature control adjuster. A dynamic, precise temperature control of portions of the eye via the BSS is obtained. A method utilizing the FHIM is also provided.

Abstract: A medical cooling device is proposed. The cooling device may include a cooling medium configured to cool a target region through thermal contact with the target region, and a cooling generator configured to supply cooling energy to the cooling medium. The cooling device may also include a cooling medium accommodating unit that has one surface to which the cooling generator is attached and that is configured to thermally connect the cooling medium to the cooling generator. A center-of-cooling-power region may be disposed in a region where the cooling medium. The cooling medium accommodating unit may overlap and have a center of cooling power which is a center with respect to thermal conductivity of the center-of-cooling-power region. A distance from a front end of the cooling medium to the center of cooling power may be less than or equal to 30 mm.

Abstract: Methods and devices for handling a fluid and delivering the fluid to the eye. The device has a vibrating element with a plurality of openings through which a fluid is ejected when the vibrated. An enclosure defines a chamber which holds a single application of the fluid. The enclosure may be biased against the vibrating element with a spring load developed in whole or part by the resilient structure of the enclosure. The chamber may be substantially empty after the single application.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an ophthalmological surgical device to perform amniotic membrane transplantation or internal limiting membrane transplantation to the macula of an eye of a subject. The device includes a handle portion; a rod-shaped body attached to one end of the handle portion; a brush portion made of materials capable of holding electrostatic charges attached to the distal end of the rod-shaped body. Making use of the triboelectric effect in static electricity, the brush will attract biological membranes such as the amniotic membrane and allow placement of the membrane over the macula or other desired retinal position with precision and ease.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide hydrodis section and /or PCO prevention or reduction in a patient undergoing eye surgery. In one embodiment, the invention is a surgical device for cutting and excising a portion of tissue, for example in performing a lens capsulotomy. A capsulotomy tip is inserted into an eye through an incision in the surface of the eye. The capsulotomy tip includes a suction cup to provide suction to the lens capsule. Then suction is applied via the suction cup to secure the capsulotomy tip to the eye. In some embodiments, after the capsulotomy tip is secured to the lens capsule, a cutting element of the capsulotomy tip is used to cut a tissue of the eye. Fluid is pushed through the capsulotomy tip and the capsulotomy tip is removed from the eye. Moreover, disclosed is an intraocular lens (IOL) to be used in conjunction with the surgical device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for draining intraocular fluid from an eye and treating glaucoma in humans or animals are provided. In some embodiments, the device has a scleral plate with a groove and/or locking mechanism and an extensible tube or tubes having at least one lumen. In some embodiments, the distal portion of the extensible tube has a terminal open end adapted to be placed in an intraocular chamber of an eye and configured to prevent extrusion of the terminal open end from the intraocular chamber following placement.

Abstract: A system for supporting and aligning a patient during a color alteration procedure includes a laser system that delivers a laser in a first direction. A control computer may be adjacent the laser system for controlling the laser system. The control computer system may include a user interface in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The system may include a patient support structure having a patient support surface extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and configured to be adjustable to set a patient position or alignment relative to the laser system. Coarse adjustment hardware may be configured to cause automated and/or manual adjustments to the patient support surface in the first direction. Fine adjustment hardware may be configured to cause automated fine adjustments to the patient support surface in the first direction based on instructions received from the control computer.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for performing a microsurgery including a cannula having an intraocular portion. The intraocular portion connects to an infusion tube. The intraocular portion includes fenestrations at its distal end. The intraocular portion receives fluid through the infusion tube and dispenses the fluid through the fenestrations lessening the flow at an infusion site in an eye. The surgical apparatus includes a vitreous cutter. The vitreous cutter includes a suction tube at one end and a shaft at another end. The cutting port cuts vitreous into smaller pieces or a laser that liquefies the vitreous. The shaft receives the cut vitreous pieces and the suction tube draws out the cut vitreous pieces from the eye. The surgical apparatus includes a vitreoretinal surgical tool having a vitreoretinal cutter. The vitreoretinal cutter has a scissor-like or forceps-like mechanism. The vitreoretinal cutter holds and/or cuts a membrane in the eye during the microsurgery.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic surgical system for performing a surgical procedure on an eye comprises a laser device, a camera, and a computer. The laser device comprises a laser source and a scanner. The laser source generates a laser beam comprising pulses, and the scanner directs the pulses towards tissue of the eye according to a laser focal spot pattern. The camera captures surgical images of the eye. The computer instructs the laser device to direct the pulses towards the eye according to the laser focal spot pattern, accesses and monitor the surgical images of the eye, identifies an interfering object from the surgical images of the eye, and modifies the control of the pulses to compensate for the interfering object.

Abstract: Goggles and eyewear with various features may be described herein. Such goggles and eyewear may include lenses that allow for the installation of larger roll-off films, adjustable nose sections to increase comfort of a wearer, sweat management systems that include a permeable gasket and a gutter, lens attachment systems, and co-molded frames of multiple different materials.

Abstract: A sleep mask detects the volume fed into the ear of the audio player through the sensor. If an unbalanced volume signal is detected in the two ears, it will be detected by the control module and the audio will be adjusted to output to the audio player and then let the volume balance while the audio enters two ears, thereby reduce the unbalanced volume problem caused by the volume change in one ear which may cause by the pressure on one ear when the user adjusts the posture, and reduce or eliminate ear discomfort and impact on sleep.

Abstract: A method of improving a welding helmet through adding a light shield to selectively cover the light sensor of the welding helmet's window, thereby preventing sensor-based deployment of the automatic window darkening system when the wearer is performing non-welding activity in need of a fully transparent window. The light shield is moveable to an inoperative position so that the automatic window darkening system works as intended when the wearer is welding.

Abstract: A welding protection device (10) comprises a shield body (12), an automatic darkening filter (13) insertable in the shield body, and a haptic sensing unit to sense a touch pattern occurring on at least a first portion of the shield body or automatic darkening filter assembly. Upon sensing of a touch pattern, a user definable command is executed. This user definable command can place the welding protection device in a specific operational state.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein provide a surgical ear speculum comprising a tubular body having an anterior end, a posterior end, and a first length from the anterior end to the posterior end. The tubular body has an inner layer, an outer layer, and a middle layer between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer, the outer layer, and the middle layer are peripherally disposed around a central cavity of the surgical ear speculum. The central cavity extends from the anterior end of the surgical ear speculum to the posterior end of the surgical ear speculum. The inner layer comprises a first membrane, and the outer layer comprises a second membrane. The middle layer comprises an expandable and contractible wire mesh disposed between the first membrane and the second membrane.

Abstract: Tapes and methods including an unbacked construction of at least one liquid layer adhesive that has been at least one of dried and cured. Occlusive tissue dressings, tapes and methods including an elastomeric drape and, for backed drapes and some unbacked drapes, a liquid component, at least partially cross-linked at least after one of drying and curing, suitable for application at a dressing-to-skin interface in order to create a substantially air-tight seal. The same or a different liquid component may be applied by a user at a tube-to-dressing interface of an elastomeric drape to create a similar air-tight seal around the tube, if not occlusively sealed during its manufacture. Featured are unbacked tapes, a drape with liquid sealant component, a liquid layered drape with liquid sealant component, and a liquid layered drape.

Abstract: This disclosure includes wound dressings and systems with remote oxygen generation for topical wound therapy and related methods.

Abstract: Provided is a paper diaper having a structure capable of more reliably sensing a state of a diaper sensor being soaked in liquid. A diaper sensor 100 includes a sheet-shaped wetness detection sensor device 90 having a circuit 60 breakable or damageable when getting wet with liquid. The diaper sensor 100 includes a highly water-permeable sheet 85 forming the surface of the diaper sensor 100 arranged on a user's body surface side, and at least any one of a first water-absorbing sheet 81 interposed between the highly water-permeable sheet 85 and the wetness detection sensor device 90 or a second water-absorbing sheet 83 arranged on the opposite side of the wetness detection sensor device 90 from the highly water-permeable sheet 85 side.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a leg gasketing system. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff. The inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge.

Abstract: A sanitary knicker includes an underpants body having a first coverage area and a second coverage area at a rear end thereof, the first coverage area is used for fitting a user's left hip, the second coverage area is used for fitting the user's right hip; the sanitary knicker also comprising a middle crotch cloth, a front end thereof is disposed at a front end of the underpants body, a rear end thereof extends toward the rear end of the underpants body to connect with the first coverage area and the second coverage area to wrap a part of the user's left hip, a part of the user's right hip and an area there-between.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed. The article includes a topsheet formed of a section of formed nonwoven web material having an ordered arrangement of zones, each zone comprising one or more attenuated regions adjacent to one or more built-up regions, wherein the attenuated regions have a first average basis weight and the built-up regions have a second average basis weight, wherein the first average basis weight is less than the second average basis weight, the difference in basis weights corresponding to disposition of the filaments according to the ordered arrangement. The attenuated region(s) may be included within a configuration of one or more channel portions on the topsheet. Alternatively or in combination, the attenuated region(s) may be included within a hinge portion extending along a wing portion of the topsheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline extending in a longitudinal direction and a transversal centerline extending in a transversal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and bisecting the absorbent article in a front half and back half is presented. The absorbent article includes a liquid permeable topsheet on a wearer-facing side, a liquid impermeable backsheet on a garment-facing side, an absorbent core, and a stabilization element. The stabilization element has a width (W2) of 50 mm or less, as measured at the point C disposed 40 mm towards the front of the article from the transversal centerline.

Abstract: A personal hygiene absorbent article, such as an adult incontinence pant, having a mechanically integrated nonwoven, in particular a spunlace, as a core wrap top layer is presented. The article optionally includes an airfelt-free absorbent core and a narrow transversal stabilization element.

Abstract: An ergonomic and novel assembly of a Portable and Insertable Flatulence Silencer and Gas Deodorizer that simultaneously eliminates the sound and smell of flatulence. The apparatus is easy to insert, receives gas and removes bad odors, then releases the gas into the outer environment silently. The apparatus can also be connected to a paired smartphone application or computing device to provide users with real-time information regarding the status of their personal health, including feces and gas.

Abstract: Proposed are a personal mobility device system and a control method of a personal mobility device system. The personal mobility device system includes a boarding body having a seat that a user is capable of sitting on, and includes a moving body which is coupled to the boarding body and which has a driving force based on an electric power.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus including a support structure movable between a chair configuration for traversing floor surfaces and a stowed configuration for storage. A seat section is pivotably coupled to the support structure. A caster assembly includes a pin coupled to the support structure and defining a swivel axis, a caster frame arranged to pivot about the swivel axis between a plurality of caster orientations, a wheel coupled to the caster frame and arranged for engagement with the floor in the chair configuration, and a biasing mechanism interposed between the caster frame and the pin. The biasing mechanism urges the caster frame toward a stowed caster orientation in response to disengagement between the wheel and floor surfaces occurring as the support structure moves from the chair configuration to the stowed configuration.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a seat, a backrest configured to couple to the seat, a pair of axle supports configured to couple to the seat where the pair of axle supports is configured to support an axle and a pair of rear wheels, a central hub configured to couple to the seat, a pair of caster supports configured to couple to the central hub where the pair of caster supports is configured to support a pair of front caster wheels, and a footrest configured to couple to the pair of caster supports.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for transporting a patient over a floor surface is described herein. The patient support apparatus includes a drive system with a drive member, a graphical user interface for receiving user commands from a user to operate the drive system, and a control system for operating the drive system. The control system includes a memory device configured to store a plurality of drive profiles, and a controller configured to receive a first user command to select a first drive profile, select the first drive profile from the plurality of stored drive profiles, generate an output signal based on the selected drive profile, and transmit the generated output signal to the motor control circuit to operate the motor to operate the drive member in a first drive mode based on the selected drive profile.

Abstract: Patient transport apparatus with defined transport height comprises a support structure and a litter that are interconnected by a lift mechanism. The support structure comprises a base frame and a plurality of articulable support members or legs. The litter comprises a litter frame and a patient support surface with articulating back and leg sections. The lift mechanism may comprise one or more actuators configured to raise and lower the litter between a lowered position and one or more defined raised positions. The Patient transport apparatus may further comprise a controller coupled to one or more sensors and the lift mechanism. The controller may be configured to define a transport height for the litter based, at least in part, on a characteristic detected by the one or more sensors, and to manipulate the lift mechanism to adjust the litter to the defined transport height.

Abstract: A system using a motor, and a rolling tube or rod of sufficient strength to apply a pull force on one side of a sheet on the bed with the patient lying on the sheet to help pull up the patient on his bed or turn patients on his side, to make the patient comfortable. A slide-sheet used for pull-up has a slidable underside to reduce the friction. The sheets used comprise a plurality of loops on the sides to connect to pull straps. The loops to which the pull straps are connected are chosen to apply equal force to pull or turn the patient on the sheet. Patients having mobility issues have to be routinely pulled up or turned on their sides to make them comfortable and avoid formation of bed sores. The mechanized system disclosed enables a single care giver to handle these operations.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus (100) for transporting a patient along stairs. A seat section (104) is coupled to a support structure (102) supporting a track assembly (154) having a belt. A motor selectively generates torque to drive the belt. An upper area light module (335) is configured to illuminate light directed at floor surfaces in a rearward direction and constrained to a rearward volume to prevent the light from obstructing a view of a user engaging an upper handle assembly (132). A user interface (204) including an activation input control (214) for controlling the motor and an area light input control (334) for controlling the upper area light module (335) is arranged for engagement by the user. A controller (212) is configured to permit operation of the motor based on the activation input control and to operate the upper area light module in a first or second state based on user engagement of the area light input control.

Abstract: A multi-function stretching apparatus according to an embodiment includes a body frame, a first stretching member provided in the body frame to be slidable in a front-back direction, a second stretching member provided in the body frame to be angle-adjustable, and a third stretching member provided in the body frame to be height-adjustable, wherein the first stretching member, the second stretching member, and the third stretching member are arranged in the body frame such that movement paths of the first stretching member, the second stretching member, and the third stretching member do not interfere with each other.

Abstract: A stretching apparatus includes a body frame including a pair of support frames extending in parallel in upward and downward directions at a certain interval and a connection frame connecting the pair of support frames, an upward and downward adjustment module that is movable in upward and downward directions to adjust a level thereof in the upward and downward directions between the pair of support frames and rotatable within a certain angle range based on the upward and downward directions, and a level support fixed to an inner side of each of the pair of support frames and configured to allow upward and downward movements of the upward and downward adjustment module or limit a downward movement of the upward and downward adjustment module depending on a rotation angle of the upward and downward adjustment module.

Abstract: A stretching apparatus includes a first stretching member configured to move in a forward and backward direction of a body frame and support a part of a user's body, and a sliding structure configured to slidably move the first stretching member in the forward and backward direction with respect to the body frame, wherein the sliding structure includes a guide rail fixed inside each of the plurality of horizontal frames and a plurality of guide wheels fixed to both end portions of the first stretching member and configured to move along the guide rail inside each of the plurality of horizontal frames.

Abstract: A knee movement assistive device (1), comprising: a waist garment (2) attachable to a user waist and a calf garment (3) attachable to a user calf; an actuator (4) attached to the waist garment (2) and comprising a driver (41; a transmission cable (5) connecting the actuator (4) to the calf garment (3); a chain (7) comprising a modular body (71) having a fixed end (72), attached to the calf garment (3) and a free end (73) and comprising a groove (75) defined on the upper surface (74), the transmission cable (5) being slidably channeled in the groove (75).