Abstract: Disclosed is a novel filter and delivery means. The device described within will not interfere with standard practice and tools used during standard surgical procedures and tools such as cannulas, clamps or dissection instruments including valve replacement sizing gages or other surgical procedures where the patient must be put on a heart-lung machine cross-clamping the aorta.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are esophageal sleeve devices comprising bioresorbable scaffolds having a first shape and a second shape. The bioresorbable scaffolds can be made from a shape memory polymer comprising at least one monomer unit of glycerol and at least one monomer unit of dodecanedioate. The bioresorbable scaffolds can also have a functionalized surface modified to have a biology corresponding to a patient. The bioresorbable scaffolds can take the first shape at a first environmental temperature and the second shape at a second environmental temperature. the second environmental temperature being greater than the first environmental temperature. Also disclosed herein are methods of implanting the same.

Abstract: A tricuspid valve prosthesis to be transplanted into a heart, the tricuspid valve prosthesis comprising: two or more leaflets each comprising an annular length and two free edges forming a tip, the two or more leaflets joined together at commissures to create a ring, and configured to coapt with each other. The tricuspid valve prosthesis may comprise a connector element connected to the tips of the two or more leaflets. The tricuspid valve prosthesis may also comprise two or more sets of cords. The tricuspid valve prosthesis may be provided with or without a stent frame.

Abstract: A surgical replacement tissue heart valve comprising three separate arcuate frame components that are connected together to form a continuous closed frame structure. A variable spacing located between each arcuate frame component reduces stress transferred to the leaflet commissures during the heart contraction cycle thereby providing improved leaflet durability.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve (10) comprising a frame (12) and a valve component (14), the frame and valve component being collapsible to a collapsed configuration for introduction to an implantation site, and expandable to an expanded configuration for implantation, the frame having an interior channel housing substantially the valve component, the valve component comprising a valve member (16) of biological tissue, the valve member comprising a leaflet body (18) capable of flexing between open and closed conditions, the leaflet body (18) forming a primary leaflet of the valve component such that the leaflet body spans at least a majority of interior channel at least in the closed condition of the leaflet body, the leaflet body including a free edge (20), at least one end (22) of the free edge being supported at an attachment position (24), the valve component further comprising a patch (28) of flexible reinforcing material in face-to-face contact with a leaflet body portion that flexes, and extending to the attachment

Abstract: A prosthetic valve includes an annular frame with a plurality of inflow apices and a plurality of outflow apices. Each one of the outflow apices can be circumferentially offset from a respective inflow apex. The prosthetic valve can further include a leaflet structure positioned within the frame and secured thereto. The prosthetic valve can further include an outer skirt secured to the frame. The outer skirt can include an upper edge portion disposed around an outer surface of the frame, a lower edge portion wrapped around the inflow apices, and a plurality of creases. Each crease can be circumferentially aligned with a corresponding outflow apex and can extend from the lower edge portion towards the upper edge portion. The inner skirt can be secured to an inner surface of the frame and can include a lower edge portion attached to the lower edge portion of the outer skirt.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve including a plurality of leaflets and an annular frame that is radially expandable from a radially compressed state to a radially expanded state. The prosthetic valve also includes a skirt assembly comprising a reinforcing layer sandwiched between a first encapsulating layer and a second encapsulating layer, which are made of a thin elastomeric material. The reinforcing layer comprises a first set of yarns and a second set of yarns interwoven in a leno weave pattern, wherein the first and second sets of yarns are non-perpendicular and non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame when the valve is in the radially expanded state. The first encapsulating layer and the second encapsulating layer can be fused or bonded along specified regions and form one or more pockets that enable free movement of sections of the reinforcing layer disposed therein.

Abstract: An interventional tool includes an outer sheath, a steerable sleeve disposed within the outer sheath and translatable relative thereto, an inner conduit disposed within the steerable sleeve and translatable relative thereto, and a stiffness-varying element disposed within the outer sheath and configured and arranged to transition the interventional tool between a first state having a first stiffness and a second state having a second stiffness, the first stiffness being greater than the second stiffness.

Abstract: In some instances, it is desired to restrict or block airflow to a region of the lung such as to replicate the effects of lung volume reduction surgery. This may be achieved with the use of a pulmonary treatment valve that is implanted minimally invasively without the need for surgery. In some instances, such a valve allows air to flow out of the lobe through the valve when the patient exhales but blocks air from entering the lobe during inhalation. This facilitates emptying the lobe of air over time. This has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of a population of patients suffering from emphysema. In other instances, the airflow is reduced or restricted rather than blocked. And in still other instances, the airflow is restricted upon exhalation and blocked upon inhalation.

Abstract: A cranial plug includes a cranial plug housing having a window recess with an access hole. A window is shaped and dimensioned for positioning with the window recess of the cranial plug housing.

Abstract: An expanding, conforming interbody implant includes a plurality of superior and a plurality of inferior segments. The segments are adapted to individually expand, contact, and conform to endplates of vertebral bodies to distribute forces equally over the implant and across the vertebral endplates. Once a proper extension of the segments has been achieved, the segments are locked in position. The implant has a stiffness that approximates the stiffness of bone, and the implant minimizes problems with subsidence, endplate fractures, and stress shielding.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a moulded article is disclosed. The method comprises forming a body comprising a polymer material. The method further comprises polishing a portion of the body with a polishing element to smooth at least one imperfection. The polishing element comprises a different polymer material to the polymer material of the body.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthetic joint comprising a joint couple having a first bearing surface made of a poly aryl ether ketone (PAEK) and a second joint component having a second bearing made of a polymer that is softer than the PAEK such as UHMWPE the first and second bearing surfaces in sliding engagement with one another.

Abstract: A locking member for implantation in a hip joint of a patient is provided. The hip joint has a caput femur integrated with a collum femur having a center axis extending longitudinal along the collum and caput femur in the center thereof. The locking member is adapted to assist in the fixation of a medical device, having an artificial hollow caput femur surface, to the collum and/or caput femur, wherein said artificial caput femur surface comprises at least one extending portion adapted to clasp a portion of the caput and/or collum femur, and wherein said locking member comprises an element adapted to lock said artificial caput femur surface such that the caput femur remains clasped and restrained in said artificial caput femur surface.

Abstract: Provided herein is a prosthesis comprising an implant and an augment, according to several embodiments. The prosthesis may at least partially alleviate pain and restore function to impaired areas in a patient. The prosthesis has an insertion configuration, wherein the implant is deflated. The prosthesis has an implanted configuration, wherein the implant is inflated with a fluid. Further provided are a system comprising the prosthesis and delivery tools therefor, a method of implanting the prosthesis, and a method of manufacturing the prosthesis. According to the implantation method, the prosthesis may be inserted into the patient in the insertion configuration, and then may be inflated to form the implanted configuration.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a glenoid implant includes a body and a flange. The body includes a bearing surface and a bone-contacting surface opposite the bearing surface. The flange extends from the bone-contacting surface of the body to a free end. The flange has an inside facing surface that faces a center of the body and an outside facing surface that faces an outer perimeter of the body. The outside facing surface is opposite the inside facing surface and each of the inside and outside facing surfaces extend from the bone-contacting surface to the free end. The outside facing surface at the bone-contacting surface of the body is 8 mm or less from the outer perimeter of the body. The outside facing surface is tapered from the bone-contacting surface toward the free end. The inside facing surface is non-parallel to the outside facing surface.

Abstract: A bone plate having one or more screw holes configured to receive a coupling screw to attach the bone plate to a spacer, anchor holes configured to receive anchors or bone screws to attach the bone plate to one or more vertebral bodies, one or more blocking screws configured to allow passage of the bone screws into the plate body and to lock the bone screws in the plate body after passage, and a port to rigidly attach the bone plate to an inserter instrument. The bone plate allows rigid connection to a spacer that is implanted between adjacent vertebral bodies. The plate body may include one or more anchor holes.

Abstract: An expandable implant pivotally movable between a collapsed position, an expanded position, and an angled position, is disclosed. The implant may include at least one first pivoting axis extending in a longitudinal direction and at least one second pivoting axis extending in a transverse direction of the implant. A frame may be pivotally coupled to at least one arm, a superior endplate, and an inferior endplate. The at least one arm may be pivotally coupled to one of the superior endplate or the inferior endplate. The implant may include at least one distraction wedge engaged with the at least one arm and at least one angulation wedge engaged with the at least one distraction wedge.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an expandable intervertebral cage (1) with a base (2) comprising a peripheral circumferential side wall (7) extending in a first direction (x) and a first bone interaction surface (5); a stage (3) comprising a second bone interaction surface (6) arranged essentially opposite to the first bone interaction surface (5) with respect to the expandable intervertebral cage (1); and a locking mechanism (4) for locking the position of the second bone interaction surface (6) of the stage (3) with respect to the first bone interaction surface (5) of the base (2) at least in the first direction (x) and being arranged at least partially within the circumferential side wall (7) of the base (2).

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: A cable tensioner for a wearable item includes a rotatable dial, a rotatable reel that receives a cable wound therearound, a fixed portion, and a gear mechanism rotatably coupling the rotatable dial and the rotatable reel. The rotatable dial and rotatable reel are rotatable relative to the fixed portion. The rotatable dial is axially movable relative to the fixed portion between a first position, wherein the gear mechanism has a first gear ratio, and a second position, wherein the gear mechanism has a second gear ratio less than the first gear ratio. The first gear ratio has a value such that rotation of the rotatable dial permits fine adjustment of the rotatable reel and that the gear mechanism resistively holds a tension in the cable. The second gear ratio has a value that permits coarse adjustment of the reel and that the gear mechanism releases a tension in the cable.

Abstract: A method of engaging a limb with an interface using an external tool is described. The method includes the steps of: (i) removably attaching one or more actuators of the external tool to one or more paddles of the interface; (ii) operating the actuators to adjust a position of the paddles inward or outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the interface; and (iii) selecting a compression force for each of the paddles so as to compress target areas of soft tissue in the limb against skeletal structure to reduce motion of the skeletal structure towards an inner surface of the paddles.

Abstract: A prosthetic system includes an inner socket configured to receive a residual limb, the inner socket having at least one socket window, and an outer frame configured to receive the socket, the frame having at least one frame window. The socket window is configured to align with the frame window when the socket is received within the frame. The frame window and the socket window are together configured to releasably receive a sensor for the residual limb.

Abstract: An expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical rings generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by one or more interconnecting links placed so that the stent is flexible in the longitudinal direction. The radial strength of the stent is enhanced by selectively increasing the width of the crests by offsetting the center points of inner arcs relative to outer arcs.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided to maintain or enhance blood flow through the blood vessel. Balloon-expandable, bioresorbable, vascular stent elements provide high initial radial force at the vessel wall in order to treat residual stenosis and dissection following balloon angioplasty and then slowly soften and degrade over time following implantation.

Abstract: A growth stent and valve and methods for making and using the same. The growth stent and valve may be delivered to treat early stage congenital lesions, while expanding to adult vessel diameters. In selected embodiments, the growth stent and valve can comprise a frame and may have a covering on some portion to prevent blood flow through a wall of the frame. The growth stent and valve advantageously can maintain radial strength across an entire range of diameters necessary to treat a narrowed lesion from birth and childhood through adulthood as the vessels grow over the lifetime of a patient.

Abstract: A system for treating a bifurcated vessel that includes a first delivery catheter and a second delivery catheter. The first delivery catheter carries a proximal first stent and a distal second stent. The first delivery catheter also has a first elongate shaft, a proximal first expandable member with the proximal first stent disposed thereover, and a distal second expandable member with the distal second stent disposed thereover. The proximal first expandable member and distal second expandable member are independently expandable of one another. The second delivery catheter carries a third stent. The second delivery catheter also has a second elongate shaft, and a third expandable member with the third stent disposed thereover. The third expandable member is independently expandable of the proximal first expandable member and the distal second expandable member.

Abstract: An ancillary device capable of assisting in the two anastomosis procedures necessary for replacing a segment of a corporeal duct with a prosthesis, and the connection of said prosthesis without the need for any suture. An optimised kit for anastomosis including the ancillary device is also provided. The ancillary device for anastomosis, including an elongate body provided with a longitudinal through channel intended to receive a tubular prosthesis therein, the body of the device including, on a proximal side, a handling portion and, on a distal side, a shaping assembly formed by a plurality of the lamellae defining a compression area of the prosthesis. The body of the device includes a closable longitudinal opening giving access to the longitudinal channel intended to receive the prosthesis.

Abstract: Delivery systems for expandable and stented implants include adjustable tensioning members that control the expansion of the implant along the length of the implant. The tensioning members are wound onto one or more rotors located on the distal segment of the delivery system, which are rotated to unwind the tensioning members and incrementally expand the implant. Positioning mechanisms are also provided to adjust the position and orientation of the implant during delivery.

Abstract: A support for an area of a body having a hinge joint includes: a flexible, elastically stretchable framework configured to extend across the hinge joint of the area of the body; and a hinge mechanism affixed to the framework. The hinge mechanism includes a strut component and a first arm component connected to the strut component such that the first arm component is rotatable relative to the strut component only about a first pivot axis. A second arm component is connected to the strut component such that the second arm component is rotatable relative to the strut component only about a second pivot axis. The strut component is configured to extend with the framework across the hinge joint such that the first pivot axis is located on a first side of the hinge joint and the second pivot axis is located on a second, opposite side of the hinge joint.

Abstract: A multi-axis rotational control hip orthosis that can stabilize and control forces around a hip joint and may be customized to a wearer's physical or medical needs.

Abstract: A knee brace for the treatment of gonarthrosis comprises a fabric base (11), an upper half-shell (12) and a lower half-shell (13), constrained to the fabric base (11), a rod (14), constrained to the two half-shells (12, 13), as well as a pressure element (17, 17?) for laterally supporting the knee against the side opposite to the rod (14), at least one front belt (18?, 18?) and at least one rear belt (19?, 19?), connected to the upper and lower half-shells (12, 13) and to the pressure element (17, 17?), wherein one or both of the upper or lower half-shells (12, 13) are provided with a traction device (20), comprising a lever (21) and an inextensible cord (22), which is constrained at one end to the lever (21) and at an opposite end to the front belt (18?, 18?) and passes through a front return slot (23) placed on the half-shell (12, 13).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a multi-step joint facilitation and locking system that allows pressure to be applied in a spiral pattern to joints with an asymmetrical pattern. The system includes a primary and secondary locking mechanism, elastic straps, and a compression sleeve with a silicone-like layer. The system can be used on various joints such as the knee, ankle, and elbow to facilitate accessory joint motion and promote proper joint alignment. The invention provides a way to fine-tune the amount of pressure applied to the joint and to apply pressure in a specific direction to restore natural joint position.

Abstract: An off-loading wrist brace featuring a linear configuration, a split linear configuration, or a glove configuration with a thumb hole, pisiform hole, purlicue saddle, and closure components. The brace compresses to reduce repetitive movement of the carpal ligament while reducing compression of the pisiform to reduce injury and pain. The brace is removably affixed by placing the thumb through the thumb hole, wrapping the brace body around the wrist to attach the closure component at the tapered distal end to the closure component at the rounded proximal end.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning a body part of a patient. An apparatus can comprise a portable support structure configured to be placed on a patient support surface under a body part of a patient and retention elements attached to the support structure. At least a portion of the support structure is configured to move from lowered position to a raised position above the lowered position. The retention elements are configured to receive the body part. Each retention element has a holding portion and an open region, and each retention element faces at least partially sideways in a retention position.

Abstract: Examples relate to fluid collection devices, and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, a fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier and a fluid permeable body. The fluid impermeable barrier may include a first end region, a second end region, a front side, and a back side. The fluid impermeable barrier defines an opening on the front side, one or more apertures on the back side distal to the opening and positioned between the first end region and the second end region, and a chamber within the fluid collection device. At least one of the first end region or the second end region may be substantially planar. The fluid permeable body is positioned within the chamber and extends across at least a portion of the opening.

Abstract: An example fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier and a base. The fluid impermeable base at least partially defines a chamber within the fluid collection device. The base is secured to the fluid impermeable barrier and at least partially defines the chamber and an opening in fluid communication with the chamber. The base includes at least a first layer including at least a nonwoven fabric extending at least partially between a proximal end region and a distal end region of the fluid collection device. The base also may include a second layer secured to the first layer and at least partially defining the chamber. The second layer includes a fluid permeable multilayer fabric at least partially positioned between the first layer and the chamber and extending at least partially between the proximal end region and the distal end region.

Abstract: A hand warmer includes a first body and a second body with the same structure as the first body and mutually combined with the first body, each of the first and second bodies including a long-strip-shaped housing that includes a heating surface and a contacting surface opposite to the heating surface, and a heat generating unit received in the housing; a plurality of first inserting members arranged on the contacting surface of the first body, and a plurality of second inserting members arranged on the contacting surface of the second body and correspondingly connected to the plurality of first inserting members; after the first inserting member is engaged with the second inserting member, both the first body and the second body are combined into a whole, and the first body and the second body can be separated from a connection position between the first body and the second body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for devices that may include a nasal assembly comprising: a first support member having a first surface configured to substantially conform to a sinistral contour of a nose when the nasal assembly is being worn; a second support member having a second surface configured to follow a dextral contour of the nose when the nasal assembly is being worn; and a heat source electrically coupled to the first support member and the second support member, the heat source being configured to adjust a surface temperature of the first surface and the second surface to cause warming of the sinistral contour of the nose and the dextral contour of the nose to a predefined temperature range.

Abstract: A non-pharmaceutical hiccup remedy device that makes use of known treatments for hiccups but in a novel way is described. The device is a drinking cup with an extension that applies a cold finger extension to the cheek of the hiccup sufferer user simultaneous to drinking from the cup. The device has been found by the inventor to provide rapid alleviation of hiccups without the discomfort of prior solutions and without the side effects of pharmaceutical treatments for hiccups. The device can be sized and/or, in some embodiments, adjusted for the particular user, from child to adult.

Abstract: Provided is a drop-type drug tube. The drop-type drug tube includes a body part which defines an outer appearance and in which a drug is accommodated, and a cover part integrated with the body part and provided to be removed when the drug is used. The body part includes a drug accommodation part having an internal space to accommodate the drug, a body support part provided to extend to the outside of the drug accommodation part, an upper insertion part inclinedly extending upward from the drug accommodation part and the body support part so as to be away from the cover part, and a lower insertion part provided to face the upper insertion part and inclinedly extending downward from the drug accommodation part and the body support part so as to be away from the cover part.

Abstract: A drop dispenser for discharging a liquid in drops. The drop dispenser has a liquid reservoir for storing the liquid prior to discharge and a discharge opening associated with a drop-forming geometry. The drop dispenser has a pump device for pumping liquid out of the liquid reservoir and to the discharge opening so that the liquid collects on the drop-forming geometry and is released from the drop-forming geometry when a sufficient quantity of liquid is collected. The drop dispenser has a flat housing, within which the liquid reservoir and the pump device are arranged, and the outer shape of the flat housing has a maximum width orthogonally to a main axis of the housing, the maximum width being at least 25% greater than a maximum thickness of the outer shape of the housing orthogonally to the main axis and orthogonally to the width. An actuation handle actuates the pump device.

Abstract: A device for diagnosing ocular surface diseases is provided which includes a diagnostic terminal provided with eyepiece cups and sensors capable of detecting information from the ocular surface, connected to a processing base capable of processing data and sending it to a server. The invention uses a kit for the administration of therapies which includes a therapeutic terminal provided with eyepiece cups capable of delivering medicines in the form of an aerosol and a control base provided with aerosol, digital screen and Internet connection.

Abstract: A support device and associated methods for an ophthalmologic instrument are shown. Examples include interior profile elements configured to substantially match an exterior profile of a distal end of an ophthalmologic instrument. Examples also include a latching mechanism to hold a support device to a distal end of an ophthalmologic instrument. Examples also include an interior surface formed from a resilient material.

Abstract: A pain-relief device for treating pain related to soft tissue injuries and nerve pain has a broken and at least partially interconnected, conductive layer made of metal particles which are screen printed on a flexible substrate. No attempt is made to electrically insulate any of the metal particles from adjacent particles. The device can be configured either as a pain-relief patch, or as a pain-relief temporary tattoo. Both the patch and the temporary tattoo are adhered to a patient's skin at a site of pain with a non-allergenic adhesive. The flexible substrate for the pain-relief patch is a polymeric material such as polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane. The flexible substrate for the temporary tattoo is gum arabic coated decal paper that can be removed after the temporary tattoo is adhered to the patient's skin.

Abstract: Described is a medical dressing for use in conjunction with a medical device. The dressing has an outer layer provided with a plurality of guiding lines indicating how to cut the dressing into a plurality of shaped dressing pieces. The dressing pieces are adapted to fit and to be used in conjunction with a variety of medical devices. Also described is a kit that includes the described medical dressing.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for trauma-free application and removal of light deactivated adhesive drapes. One aspect provides a system comprising a drape, at least one photosensitive adhesive portion having a release agent, and at least one acrylic and/or polyurethane adhesive portion, where the system is adapted to be coupled to a tissue site and released therefrom upon or after exposure to an external stimulus such as certain wavelengths of light. The system may have a removable blocking layer to prevent the photosensitive adhesive from being exposed to deactivation wavelengths prematurely. Another aspect provides a method for application and removal of a drape using by removing the removable blocking layer and applying light to the drape to deactivate the photosensitive adhesive portion and promote easy, clean, and less painful removal of the drape.

Abstract: A method for treating a fissure of a heel, wherein the fissure extends from a side and/or back portion of the heel to a bottom portion of the heel, may include positioning a patch proximate the fissure. The patch may include an exterior-facing side formed of a flexible material, a skin-facing side comprising an adhesive material configured to adhere to the skin of the heel, a central portion having a first thickness, and an outer edge having a second thickness equal to the first thickness; wherein one of the exterior-facing side and the skin-facing side may include a hydrocolloid material. The method may further include applying the patch to the fissure such that the adhesive material retains the patch on the side and/or back portion of the heel and the bottom portion of the heel.

Abstract: A brain protection pad is disclosed. A brain protection pad, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises an artificial dura mater layer configured to cover the brain exposed to the outside after a craniotomy. The artificial dura mater layer comprises artificial dura mater having a predetermined area so as to cover the brain, and may comprise one or more from among incision portions formed by partially incising the artificial dura mater so as to enable the artificial dura mater to expand in a direction perpendicular to the incision direction, and corrugations formed by folding the artificial dura mater so as to enable the artificial dura mater to expand in an unfolding direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of assessing a degree of saturation of an absorbent hygiene article that includes at least a first and second sensing elements the method including detecting a first value from the first sensing element; and detecting a second value from the second sensing element, at least one of assessing that a degree of saturation of the absorbent hygiene article is substantially zero if the first value does not pass a first threshold and the second value does not pass a second threshold; assessing that a first degree of saturation is present in the absorbent hygiene article if the first value passes the first threshold and the second value does not pass the second threshold; and assessing that a second degree of saturation is present in the absorbent hygiene article if the first value passes the first threshold and the second value passes the second threshold.