Abstract: An implant system for a knee comprising a femur and a patella. The implant system includes a patella implant comprising an implant body. The implant body comprises a bone facing surface, an articular facing surface, and at least one dimple. The bone facing surface engages bone beneath an implant site formed in the patella. The articular facing surface faces towards an articulating surface of the femur and has a non-anatomical shape (such as a dome). The dimples are formed in the articular facing surface and have a load bearing surface to engage against the articulating surface of the femur. The load bearing surface may have a contour that substantially corresponds to a spherical portion of a generally spherical segment or has an elongated, partially oval shape, and may be configured to increase contact area with the articulating surface of the femur, reduce stress concentrations, and increase resistance to dislocation subluxation.

Abstract: A tibial component of a knee joint endoprosthesis includes a laterally extending tibial plate, a distally projecting anchoring stem with a shaft piece, and at least one laterally extending wing-like extension. In an implantation state, the tibial plate and the anchoring stem are connected to one another by means of detachable fastening elements. The tibial plate is removable from the anchoring stem for an explantation state. At least one spacer that can be removed proximally is provided on the tibial plate, the end face of which forms a stop for the extension and is designed to form a stop between the extension and the tibial plate to create space with a defined minimum width as a saw slot space.

Abstract: Disk-shaped augmentation for filling bone defects, in particular at the end of long bones, such as the tibia, including a first side, a second side, an outer sheath on lateral sides and an inner wall for a through-opening, running from the first to the second side, for a anchoring keel of an endoprosthesis arranged on the second side. The augment is generally C-shaped with two legs flanking the through-opening. According to the invention, a connecting piece between the legs is designed in an articulated manner and cooperates resiliently with the legs such that a frame is formed, and an outwardly directed restoring force is generated when the legs are compressed.

Abstract: A method of repairing a fractured bone may include implanting a prosthetic stem into an intramedullary canal of the fractured bone. First and second bone segments of the fractured bone may be robotically machined to include first and second implant-facing surfaces that are substantially negatives of first and second surface portions of the first end of the prosthetic stem. The first and second tuberosities may be machined so that the first and second bone segments have first and second interlocking surfaces shaped to interlock with each other. During implantation, the first and second implant-facing surfaces are in contact with the first and second surface portions of the first end of the prosthetic stem, and the first interlocking surface interlocks with the second interlocking surface.

Abstract: Shoulder joint implants are disclosed herein for use in shoulder reconstruction that are configured to facilitate the inclusion a central bone screw for augmented bone fixation. The implant can include a baseplate (or metaglene) configured to secure a glenosphere or other prosthetic component to the glenoid. To facilitate lateral or proximal insertion of a central bone screw through the implant, a throughbore defined along the central axis of the metaglene can be widened to accommodate the maximum diameter of the screw. To enable fixation of the glenosphere to the metaglene, a collet can be configured to engage the smaller diameter of a glenosphere coupling element and inserted into the central throughbore. The collet and the bone screw can be separate parts, thereby making insertion of the bone screw optional. Alternatively, the collet and bone screw can be integrated together to form a unitary construct.

Abstract: Expandable wedge implants and methods. The expandable implant has a main body, a moveable endplate pivotably connected to the main body, an actuator assembly including an actuator and two actuator pivots, and a drive assembly including a drive screw configured to move the actuator assembly to thereby expand the endplate relative to the main body. The expandable implant may be configured to correct pes planus or a flatfoot deformity using an Evans procedure during foot surgery.

Abstract: A multicomponent implant system includes a multicomponent implant comprising a base plate and a load plate. The base plate includes a bone facing surface and a base plate interface surface. The load plate includes a load plate interface surface and a load bearing surface, the load bearing surface being substantially parallel to the load plate interface surface and having a contour substantially corresponding to a contour of a removed portion of the articular surface. Both the load plate interface surface and base plate interface surface have a contour substantially corresponding to the contour of the load bearing surface. The load plate is configured to be advanced in an arcuate direction to slidably couple the load plate to the base plate after the base plate has been secured within the first excision site by an anchor.

Abstract: Expandable wedge implants and methods. The expandable implant has a main body, a moveable endplate pivotably connected to the main body, an actuator assembly including an actuator and two actuator pivots, and a drive assembly including a drive screw configured to move the actuator assembly to thereby expand the endplate relative to the main body. The expandable implant may be configured to correct pes planus or a flatfoot deformity using an Evans procedure during foot surgery.

Abstract: An installation tool comprising a tool body, a control shaft disposed at least partially within the tool body, a tool interface coupled to the tool body, and a control plate housed within the tool interface. The tool comprising a body member coupled with the tool interface, the body member including a channel to receive a barb, a retention member to engage the barb to position the barb within the channel, and an interface to engage a surface of an implant to align the implant relative to the body member. The tool comprising a first arm and a second arm that are movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, where in the first configuration the first and second arms extend laterally away from the tool interface, and in the second configuration the first and second arms engage the tool interface and are configured to secure the implant.

Abstract: A composite material for use, for example, as an orthopedic implant, that includes a porous reinforced composite scaffold that includes a polymer, reinforcement particles distributed throughout the polymer, and a substantially continuously interconnected plurality of pores that are distributed throughout the polymer, each of the pores in the plurality of pores defined by voids interconnected by struts, each pore void having a size within a range from about 10 to 500 ?m. The porous reinforced composite scaffold has a scaffold volume that includes a material volume defined by the polymer and the reinforcement particles, and a pore volume defined by the plurality of pores. The reinforcement particles are both embedded within the polymer and exposed on the struts within the pore voids. The polymer may be a polyaryletherketone polymer and the reinforcement particles may be anisometric calcium phosphate particles.

Abstract: A personalized fixation system includes a surgical planning software tool configured to adjust relationships of relevant anatomy of a subject, at least one bone anchor, a plate having a shape that does not conform to a single plane, the plate configured to accept the at least one bone anchor, wherein the shape of the plate is at least partially determined by the surgical planning software tool, and wherein the plate includes at least one node having a hole configured to receive the at least one bone anchor, and a locking element configured to connect the at least one bone anchor to the plate, wherein the plate is manufactured using additive manufacturing.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided including an upper surface, a lower surface, a front surface and a back surface, two side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the two side surfaces extending between the front surface and the back surface and an opening positioned closer to the back surface than the front surface. The opening is provided to contain graft material that spans between a cortical rim of the upper vertebral body and the cortical rim of the lower vertebral body. The method includes packing the opening with graft material, wherein the graft material spans between the decorticated cortical rim of the upper vertebral body and the decorticated cortical rim of the lower vertebral body.

Abstract: An expandable implant assembly includes an upper endplate assembly, a lower endplate assembly, and a control assembly. The upper endplate assembly is configured to engage bone and includes an upper base member and a plurality of upper endplates. Each of the plurality of upper endplates is coupleable to the base member. The lower endplate assembly is configured to engage bone and includes a lower base member and a plurality of lower endplates. Each of the plurality of lower endplates is coupleable to the base member. The control assembly is configured to couple the upper endplate assembly to the lower endplate assembly and control movement of the upper endplate assembly relative to the lower endplate assembly.

Abstract: A spacer for separating bones of a joint, the spacer includes a first endplate configured to engage a first bone of the joint; a second endplate configured to engage a second bone of the joint; tissue engaging projections, wherein the tissue engaging projections are moveable from a retracted position to a deployed position; and an actuation subassembly that extends between the first endplate and the second endplate, wherein the actuation subassembly comprise a drive nut, a drive screw coupled to the drive nut, and a cam frame coupled to the drive screw, wherein the cam frame is disposed between the first endplate and the second endplate to engage the tissue engaging projections.

Abstract: Orthopaedic implants and corresponding instrumentation are disclosed. More particularly, a femoral implant and a corresponding broach are presented for surgically repairing a hip joint. The femoral implant includes an elongated stem configured to be inserted within an intramedullary canal of a patient's femur. The femoral implant configured to maximize “fit” within the intramedullary canal. The orthopedic broach may include differential tooth patterns. For example, the broach may include first, second, and third separate and unique tooth patterns. In use, the various tooth patterns are located in specific locations on the broach to achieve a specific purpose to thereby optimize engagement between the patient's intramedullary canal and the femoral implant. In various embodiments, the broach is specifically matched to mimic the femoral implant, and specifically the teeth (compaction teeth) formed on the proximal region of the broach are matched to the porous coating formed on the implant.

Abstract: An implant insertion tool for use during a surgical procedure to implant an acetabular cup component into a surgically-prepared acetabulum of a patient's hip includes a metallic elongated shaft, a removable polymeric grip, and a locking nut to secure the grip to the elongated shaft. Such a modular design allows the implant insertion tool to be dissembled prior to sterilization.

Abstract: An impactor system is for impacting a base of a shoulder implant into a humerus. The system may include a housing having distal stabilizer configured to contact a proximal resected surface of the humerus. The distal stabilizer may define an open space. An impaction member may be slidably received within the housing. The impaction member may have a proximal surface and a distal connection mechanism adapted to connect to the base of the shoulder implant. The impaction member may be movable from a first proximal position in which the base of the shoulder implant, when connected to the impaction member, is positioned within the open space defined by the distal stabilizer, to a second distal position in which the base of the shoulder implant, when connected to the impaction member, is positioned at least partially distal to the open space defined by the distal stabilizer.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods to guide arthroscopic SCR surgery by providing dimensional/shape information on an implanted graft. One example comprises receiving imaging data (ID) contained in a video stream captured by an imaging device at a treatment site (TS) and processing the ID. The ID is analyzed to determine ID that depicts a set of anchor structures (AS) in the TS, determine an orientation attribute of each AS of the set with respect to a reference; and determine a respective scale factor (SF) for portions of ID that depict each AS of the set, the respective SF of each portion of the ID reflecting a size distortion of that portion of the ID with respect to a reference scale. Geometric information is determined for at least a portion of the TS where the set of ASs are located and is used to determine shape and dimensions of the graft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and methods for treating tricuspid valve insufficiency. For example, in some embodiments, a tricuspid insufficiency treatment device is provided, and includes a tubular member configured for implantation within a vena cava of a patient, where the tubular member is formed with a sidewall. The device also includes at least two (2) valves arranged circumferentially along the sidewall, where each valve comprises an opening formed in the sidewall, and a blocking member arranged to block and unblock a respective opening of the plurality of openings. Each blocking member comprises a flap or cover pivotally attached at or proximate a portion of a respective opening and arranged to block and unblock the opening during ventricular systole and ventricular diastole, respectively, such that the opening is unblocked in a direction opposite to the attachment of the flap or cover.

Abstract: In one embodiment according to the present invention, a stent is described having a generally cylindrical body formed from a single woven nitinol wire. The distal and proximal ends of the stent include a plurality of loops, some of which include marker members used for visualizing the position of the stent. In another embodiment, the previously described stent includes an inner flow diverting layer.

Abstract: A system for treatment of intracranial stenosis can include a catheter having a lumen, and an elongate member extending through the lumen. A distal pressure sensor is coupled to a distal end portion of the elongate member and is configured to obtain blood pressure parameters to characterize blood flow at a treatment site before and after treatment. A stent is disposed within the catheter lumen in a radially constrained configuration. The stent surrounds the elongate member such that the distal end portion of the elongate member is disposed distal to a distal end of the stent. The stent is configured to radially expand into apposition with the blood vessel to increase blood flow at the treatment site when released from the catheter.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for the delivery of an implant into the prostatic urethra. Embodiments of delivery systems can include a delivery device for insertion into the patient and a proximal control device for use in controlling release of the implant from the delivery device.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a prosthesis delivery device is disclosed. The handle assembly includes a main handle, a rotatable handle, a retractable sheath operatively coupled to the rotatable handle, at least one rotatable ring having a rotatable inner surface, the at least one rotatable ring coupled to a distal end of at least one trigger wire, and the at least one trigger wire having a proximal end configured to releasably engage a prosthesis. Rotation of the rotatable handle is configured to retract the sheath in a distal direction and rotation of the at least one rotatable ring is configured to wind at least a portion of the trigger wire onto the rotatable inner surface and withdraw the at least one trigger wire in the distal direction.

Abstract: A delivery system for a furcated stent having a stem and at least two arms, the delivery system including a delivery catheter comprising an elongated first tube having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tubular furcated part at the distal end configured to accommodate the arms; wherein the tubular furcated part includes two or more limbs, each limb provided with a slit, thereby providing multiple limbs having multiple slits, the multiple slits together form a passageway for passage therethrough of the furcated stent, the passageway has a narrowed state and a widened state and is biased in the narrowed state, and the tubular furcated part is formed of a compliant material and is configured to allow repeatable transition between the passageway narrowed state and passageway widened state.

Abstract: Techniques and features for reduction of air potentially released during endoluminal device (e.g., thoracic aortic stent-graft device) deployment. Also addressed are methods for quantifying efficacy of pre-treatment techniques and features for reducing said air. Such air reduction can help reduce risk of air embolization during device (e.g., implant, such as stent-graft) deployment which could potentially decrease the risk of negative effects from such embolization.

Abstract: A pyloric implant generally includes a stomach portion, a duodenal portion and a pyloric portion extending between the two. A channel extends through the implant to allow food to pass from the stomach, through the pylorus, into the duodenum. The stomach and duodenal portions expand from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration, upon release from a delivery device, in order to anchor the implant within the stomach, pylorus and duodenum. The pyloric implant slows the passage of food out of the stomach, through the pylorus, thus promoting weight loss.

Abstract: An orthosis, and components thereof, that may be used as a shoulder brace for immobilization of the arm and shoulder joint may comprise components that may allow for abduction, internal/external rotation and allow for flexion and extension simultaneously. Methods of using the brace and methods of using the brace and treating shoulder injuries are similarly provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthosis comprising: a first fastening element (15) for fastening a first orthosis component (10) to a proximal body part of a user; a second orthosis component (20) having a second fastening element (21) for being fixed to a distal body part of the user; and a joint device (30) which is located at the proximal end (22) of the second orthosis component (20) and which has a joint upper part (40) and which makes it possible for the second orthosis component (20) to pivot about a joint axis (4) in the sagittal plane relative to the joint upper part (40), the joint upper part (40) being mounted or designed on the first orthosis component (10) in a fastening device (11) so as to be pivotable and/or displaceable in the frontal plane and so as to be rotationally rigid in the sagittal plane.

Abstract: An improved pain management and post-operative hip orthosis includes a waist strap having first and second ends, a lower strap having first and second ends, and a pocket extending between the waist strap and lower strap. The pocket has inner and outer panels fastened to each other to define an upper opening and a lower opening. A cooling pack including a reservoir and inlet and outlet tubes extending from a bottom of the reservoir is applied to the pocket such that the inlet and outlet tubes pass through the lower opening of the pocket.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a halo intrinsic traction (HIT) system, comprising a first support, a second support, and a first actuator. The first support can be configured to attach to a head portion of a patient. The second support can be configured to attach to a body portion of a patient, the body portion being below the head portion. The first actuator can be configured to generate an expansion force between the first and second supports.

Abstract: An ingrown fingernail/toenail correction device using a shape memory alloy, includes a first fixing part configured to be fixed to an ingrown fingernail/toenail, a second fixing part configured to be fixed to the ingrown fingernail/toenail and spaced apart from the first fixing part at a predetermined distance, and a correction part inserted into the first fixing part and the second fixing part and made of a shape memory alloy so that when the correction part reaches a preset temperature, a shape of the correction part returns to a preset shape to provide a corrective force to the first fixing part and the second fixing part.

Abstract: A height-adjustable support for supporting various bodily limbs over a wide range of limb positions, and in hospital rooms, doctors' offices, or other compact environments. The device permits a medical procedure to be performed by a single person while the device supports the limb. The device includes a rigid support body defining a base portion having a lower surface, and a cradle supported above the lower surface, the cradle defining a surface configured to support a limb of a patient. The rigid support body may include multiple discrete block bodies selectively joinable by complementary fasteners, so that the rigid support body is adjustable in height. The cradle may be U-shaped or otherwise concavely-shaped.

Abstract: A therapeutic orthopedic device is described. The orthopedic device serves to restrain and limit movement of a human arm and shoulder. The device comprises a torso pillow, a padded forearm support attached to the pillow and a shoulder strap that traverses the clavicle region of the opposite shoulder. The pillow is positioned to rest against the torso of a user and the strap is positioned over the opposite shoulder. The forearm support acts as a shelf upon which the user's forearm may rest in a natural position. Flexible straps extend from the forearm support, over the user's forearm, and engage with the pillow to secure the forearm.

Abstract: An implantable inflatable device includes a fluid reservoir defining a cavity, an inflatable member having an inflation cavity and a delivery cavity, and a pump assembly configured to transfer fluid between the fluid reservoir and the inflatable member.

Abstract: The disclosed urostomy belt includes a length of fabric having two ends. A protective unit includes a bracing member, wherein the bracing member forms a channel and is shaped to partially encircle a stoma. A shield integral with a top surface of the bracing member overlaps the channel. The protective unit is attachable to each end of the length of fabric.

Abstract: Examples relate to fluid collection devices, and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, a fluid collection device includes an elongated fluid impermeable barrier and an elongated body. The fluid collection device includes at least one of the fluid impermeable barrier being an injection molded fluid impermeable barrier, the body including at least an extruded support, the fluid impermeable barrier including one or more regions of film welded together, the fluid impermeable barrier including a die cut foam fluid impermeable barrier, or the fluid impermeable barrier including a plastic tube welded at the proximal end region and the distal end region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a female external urinary device useful in managing urine output of a female, such as for surgical use. The urinary device generally comprises a core having a suction channel and an interior reservoir fluidically communicating with the suction channel, an absorbent layer, and a fabric cover. Desirably, the urinary device includes a moderately absorbent soaker layer disposed inwardly with respect to the core. A urinary device assembly includes the core and a pelvic belt that may be secure to the core and positioned to collect urine from a female patient.

Abstract: A method of use of an oral appliance (OA) made as add-on optional feature in a denture of a user with or without implants to facilitate adjustable mandibular advancement assisting in partially or fully reducing snoring and thus ameliorating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Steps of the method of use include obtaining intra-oral information necessary and adequate for manufacture of a primary denture set for chewing purposes and using the same information for manufacture of a simpler, lighter secondary denture set that may be offered to a patient ordering a primary denture set, at a discounted price that may serve the purpose of cosmetic function or anti-snoring function or both.

Abstract: Mandibular repositioning devices have a mandibular piece having a first teeth covering and having a housing proximate each of a left molar portion and a right molar portion, a protrusive flange extending cranially from each housing, and a maxillary piece having a second teeth covering and having a housing proximate each of a left molar portion and a right molar portion. Each housing encloses a power source electrically connected an on-board circuit board and the housings of the maxillary piece further have the power source electrically connected to a motor operatively connected to a drive for anterior and posterior movements of the mandibular piece. The maxillary piece sits on the mandibular piece with the driver operatively engaged with the protrusive flange. The protrusive flange has a concavely-shaped anterior surface mated to a convexly-shaped head of the driver shaped to match the concavely-shaped anterior surface of the protrusive flange.

Abstract: A panniculus compression undergarment includes a waistband; a pouch stitched to an interior surface of the waistband; and a heat retaining compression pad contained within the pouch. The waistband encircles a portion of a wearer's torso including an upper pubic area. The waistband, pouch, and heat retaining compression pad apply palpable pressure against the upper pubic area. The undergarment produces a permanent slimming effect of the panniculus area through targeted compression and heat holding materials.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system, including a probe having an irrigation channel and an aspiration channel, and a distal end including a needle and a sleeve insertable into an eye. There is an irrigation pump pumping irrigation fluid via the irrigation channel into the eye, and an aspiration pump pumping aspiration fluid via the aspiration channel from the eye. A first pressure sensor is coupled with the irrigation fluid and provides a first signal of intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye; a second pressure sensor is coupled with the aspiration fluid and provides a second signal of the IOP. A system processor receives the first and second signals, and responsively to at least one of the signals, identifies at least one frequency and an associated at least one phase of the IOP, and pumps at least one of the pumps at the identified frequency and in antiphase to the identified phase.

Abstract: A method is provided for inserting an ophthalmological implant between a sclera and a ciliary body in an eye of a patient. The method includes making at least one incision through the sclera in the eye of the patient forming at least one scleral edge and inserting the ophthalmological implant between the sclera and the ciliary body through the at least one incision. The method includes positioning the ophthalmological implant at a final position so that a distance between an anterior edge of the ophthalmological implant and a limbus of the eye of the patient is equal to or greater than 2 mm along an anteroposterior axis.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing a laser-assisted posterior capsulotomy and for performing laser eye surgery on an eye having a penetrated cornea are provided. A method for performing a posterior capsulotomy includes injecting fluid between the lens posterior capsule and the anterior hyaloids membrane to separate the lens posterior capsule and the anterior hyaloids membrane. With the lens posterior capsule separated from the anterior hyaloids membrane, a posterior capsulotomy is performed on the lens posterior capsule by using a laser to incise the lens posterior capsule.

Abstract: A method for providing control data for an ophthalmological laser of a treatment apparatus for avoiding an opaque bubble layer in a cornea is provided. There is effected determining a treatment area in the cornea by predetermined examination data, wherein first irradiation parameters for providing an optical breakdown are set; determining an initial irradiation area in or adjoining to the treatment area, in which it is begun with an irradiation of the cornea, wherein second irradiation parameters for the optical breakdown are set for the initial irradiation area, by which a reduced power density is generated; wherein a positioning of at least a first laser pulse path is set adjoining to the initial irradiation area for a subsequent irradiation of the treatment area. Finally, providing the control data for the ophthalmological laser, which includes the treatment area and the initial irradiation area with the respective irradiation parameters, is affected.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wound packing material, suitable for use in negative pressure wound therapy, comprising a body of a porous material, the body comprising frangible regions defining a plurality of portions, the frangible regions allowing the portions to be selectively removed from the body. The wound packing material can be shaped to partially or fully surround a secondary wound packing member, such as a stabilizing structure. Some embodiments further relate to methods of manufacturing the wound packing material, and to methods of its use.

Abstract: A laceration closure reinforcement device includes a medical mesh impregnated with a viscous monomeric medical adhesive that completely coats a first surface and a second surface of the medical mesh. A method of reinforcing a prepared laceration includes removing the device from protective packaging; removing a first release film from the medical mesh; applying the first surface of the mesh to a prepared laceration; massaging a second release film; and removing the release film from the second surface. The mesh completely contacts all portions of the laceration, the closure strips, and a region of surrounding skin. This flexible, strong laceration repair is especially important on curvilinear surfaces where dehiscent shear and tensile forces, that occur in healing repaired minor and complex traumatic lacerations, are intensified. It increases the reliability of a laceration repair with monomeric adhesive by insuring maximum strength of the repair.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a wound treatment apparatus with electronic components integrated within a wound dressing. In some embodiments, a wound dressing apparatus can comprise a wound contact layer, an absorbent layer over the wound contact layer, the absorbent layer comprising one or more apertures, a cover layer configured to cover and form a seal over the wound contact layer and the absorbent layer, and an electronics assembly comprising a negative pressure source. A portion of the cover layer overlying the one or more apertures in the absorbent layer can be configured to be compressed within the aperture in the absorbent layer when negative pressure is applied to the wound dressing apparatus. The compressed cover layer can indicate a level of negative pressure below the cover layer. In some embodiments, the wound dressing apparatus can comprise an indicator material layer and a cover layer configured to cover and form a seal over the wound contact layer and the indicator material layer.

Abstract: A foot protection system, including at least one toe pad worn on at least one toe of a foot to prevent friction during movement of the at least one toe pad on a ground surface, and at least one ball pad worn on a ball of the foot to prevent friction during movement of the at least one bail pad on the ground surface.

Abstract: A tampon insertion device for inserting a tampon from a tampon applicator into a vaginal canal. The tampon insertion device having: a casing having a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior; an actuator located in the interior of the casing, the actuator adapted for movement within the interior of the casing; and a handle having a passageway extending through a portion thereof, wherein the passageway is sized and configured to receive the casing therethrough, with a portion of the casing positioned within the passageway such that movement of the handle with respect to the casing causes a corresponding movement of the actuator within the casing. A method of inserting a tampon is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab applicator (1) for use with a sampling cloth (4) comprising a swab rod (2) and an elongated swab head (3) disposed at an end of the swab rod (2) and the swab rod and head are connected to one another at a breakable section (5) which comprises two connection walls (6) formed integrally with the swab rod (2) and head (3) and a through hole (7) extending transversally on the central longitudinal axis of the breakable section (5) and delimited by the connection walls (6), wherein each of the connection walls (6) has two lateral side faces that taper in the proximity of the breakable section (5) towards its central transverse axis resulting in a pre-determined minimum length and thickness of each of the two connection walls (6) proximally to the central transverse axis of the breakable section (5) such that the two connection walls (6) are strong enough to hold the swab rod (2) and swab head (3) together during normal use of the applicator (1) and breakable upon application