Abstract: The present invention relates to a custom tool (10) for forming a dental restoration in a mouth of a patient, the custom tool comprising a mold body (12) providing for a customized fit with at least one tooth (102) of the patient, the mold body (12) including an occlusal portion forming an occlusal surface (32) corresponding with an occlusal surface of the tooth (102) or an incisal portion corresponding with an incisal surface of the tooth, a mesial proximal portion forming a mesial proximal surface (31) corresponding with a mesial proximal surface of the tooth (102), and a distal proximal portion forming a distal proximal surface (35) corresponding with a distal proximal surface of the tooth (102), wherein the mold body (12) is configured to combine with the tooth (102) of the patient to form a mold cavity encompassing missing tooth structure of the tooth (102), and wherein the occlusal or incisal portion, the mesial proximal portion, and the distal proximal portion are based on three-dimensional scan data o

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatuses for recommending tooth leveling (e.g., one or more of anterior leveling, posterior leveling, and arch-shape recommendations) for orthodontic devices and methods for patients. Factors involved in the leveling of teeth can include symmetry, doctor preferences, preferences regarding gender, the country in which the patient is being treated, and other issues related to the aesthetics of the mouth and arch shape. The device can comprise an aligner configured to fit over a patient's teeth. Methods of designing and manufacturing aligners based on leveling recommendations are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of administering a quantity of adhesive to bond orthodontic brackets is disclosed herein. The quantity of adhesive to bond a selected bracket to a tooth at a specific location thereon can be calculated based on a known geometry of the selected bracket and a digital model of the patient's teeth. An instruction guide can visually indicate with a graphic the amount of adhesive to dispense from a syringe or other device to bond the selected bracket to the surface of the tooth at a specific location planned in the digital model.

Abstract: An orthodontic retainer positioning device arranged to locate a retainer wire on a row of teeth includes a locator arranged to fit over at least a portion of a row of teeth. The locator includes an open section that is arranged to expose an area of the row of teeth, and one or more locating members connected to the locator. The locating members are arranged to support a retainer wire so that, in use, the locating members hold the retainer wire in position relative to the area of the row of teeth so as to aid the fitting of the retainer wire to the row of teeth.

Abstract: A dental appliance system comprises: a set of dental appliances for progressively closing a tooth gap between a group of posterior teeth and an intermediate tooth in a patient's dentition, wherein the intermediate tooth is adjacent to the tooth gap and between the tooth gap and a group of anterior teeth in the patient's dentition; and wherein the set of dental appliances comprises: a first plurality of dental appliances for implementing anchorage preparation for the group of posterior teeth and performing one or both of moving the intermediate tooth distally and treating the group of anterior teeth; and a second plurality of dental appliances for mesially moving the group of posterior teeth after the anchorage preparation for the group of posterior teeth has been implemented by the first plurality of dental appliances.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating indirect bonding trays are disclosed. Digital models of a patient's teeth can be created with digital brackets positioned on the digital model of a patient's teeth. Digital models of indirect bonding trays can be created to retain and transfer the brackets. The indirect bonding trays can be 3-D printed with wells that the functional brackets can be placed into and thereafter transferred to the patient. The 3-D printed indirect bonding tray can comprise two resins, with one resin forming the tray and another resin forming a functional feature.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and system for processing intraoral scanning, an electronic device, and a medium. The method includes: obtaining a positioning mode of a scan post in response to a request for scanning an oral cavity including scan posts, scanning the oral cavity to obtain target scanning data, and performing processing based on the positioning mode of the scan post and the target scanning data to determine positioning information of the scan posts.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) dental scanning system (1) for scanning a dental object (D) includes a scanning surface (124a) to support the dental object (D); a scanning section (130) to capture a 3D scan of the dental object (D); a motion section (120) to move the scanning surface (124a) and scanning section (130) relative to each other in five axes of motion, whilst retaining the scanning surface (124a) in a substantially horizontal plane, and a control unit (140) configured to control the motion section (120) and the scanning section (130) to obtain a 3D scan of the dental object (D).

Abstract: In a method of coloring a dental block by which a coloring liquid penetrates into the dental block including a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface, the method includes covering at least a portion of the side surface with a covering material over an entire circumference of the portion, exposing the top surface and the bottom surface, and causing the coloring liquid to penetrate from the top surface or the bottom surface.

Abstract: An exposure device (100) for illuminating a dental object (101), having a chamber (103) for receiving the dental object (101); and a radiation source (105) for exposing the dental object (101) to a wavelength greater than 350 nm and to a power density greater than 10 W/cm2.

Abstract: A dental analog including an installation section and an interface section located opposite to the installation section, with the installation section including an end section for inserting the dental analog into a cavity of a 3D model, where the installation section includes a locking section with expansion elements, and a locking element is provided, by way of which the expansion elements are pivotable out of the locking section and pivotable into the locking section.

Abstract: An oral irrigator tip (120) may be configured for coupling to an oral irrigator (100) for purposes of irrigating a user's teeth, gums, and interproximal regions. The oral irrigator tip (120) may have a first end (123) having an inlet (124), a second end (125) having an outlet (126), and an internal fluid passageway (128) that extends from the inlet (124) to the outlet (126). The oral irrigator tip (120) may further have an attachment portion (130) for coupling the oral irrigator tip (120) to an oral irrigator handle (110). The outlet (126) may have a polygonal shape or the outlet (220) may be elongated or the outlet (320) may include multiple outlets (321, 322, 323) that are linearly aligned.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece is provided that may be attached to a high-suction dental adapter for the purpose of assisting the dental staff during dental procedures through chair-side, hands-free suction, and isolation. Such a mouthpiece may comprise a main body portion, a cheek retractor portion, and a suction connector portion. In some embodiments, the main body portion, cheek retractor portion, and suction connector portion (and sub-portions thereof) may be molded in one piece, preferably by injection molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece may be made of a material that is flexible, translucent, conducive to injection molding, high heat-resistant, and autoclavable. Such a material may include silicone. Because the mouthpiece may be made of a high heat-resistant and autoclavable material, such a mouthpiece may be reusable.

Abstract: A water-flossing mouthpiece device is provided. The device is comprised of a mouthpiece with at least one teeth-receiving area and at least one opening. The mouthpiece can be placed into a user's mouth and then a tubing of the device can be secured to a water source. The water source can then be turned on to allow water to flow through the tubing and out of the openings in the mouthpiece in order to water-floss the user's teeth. The device may also be comprised of a drainage tube to allow collected water in the user's mouth to drain back into a sink or secondary location.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a handle housing and a driving component. The handle housing includes a main shell and an interactive shell. The main shell and the interactive shell are connected to each other. The interactive shell is integrally formed. The interactive shell includes a viewing shell and a button portion. The driving component is disposed in the handle housing. The driving component includes a detection piece and a display light source. The detection piece is disposed corresponding to the button portion to detect whether the button portion is pressed or touched. The display light source is disposed corresponding to the viewing shell to transmit light to an outside of the handle housing. A processing technology of the handle housing of the electric toothbrush is simple and there are fewer surface gaps on the electric toothbrush.

Abstract: Systems and methods of generating sweeping and/or tapping motions in an oral cleaning device such as a power toothbrush device to perform optimally at all target areas of the user's mouth. The systems and methods are configured to periodically move a drivetrain shaft in a first direction about a central axis of the device or along a line that is tangential to a cleaning unit of the device, and periodically drive the drivetrain shaft in a second direction, different from the first direction, so that a set of cleaning elements that are attached to the cleaning unit move in a vertical up-down motion. The systems and methods are further configured to dynamically modify an output of the drivetrain assembly to target different areas of the user's mouth.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to techniques for restricting urethra. More specifically, a constriction device is provided, having one or several constriction elements configured to be inflated and thereby expand in a first direction towards the urethra to constrict a first portion of the urethra for restricting the flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: Pelvic implant having a frame with two arms and a sheet are disclosed. The sheet may be held under tension in the assembled implant. The implant may be planar (flat) or may be non-planar. The implant may be contoured laterally. A curved non-planar implant may be convex or concave in a rostro-caudal direction. The implants may (optionally) include two additional arms and a second sheet for supporting a urethra and/or a bladder neck. Methods for constructing and assembling the implants are disclosed. A method ultrasonically welding the frame of the implant without thermally damaging the sheet is disclosed. Methods of implantation of the implants are disclosed.

Abstract: A first carrier member of a transfer instrument includes a first shaft disposed inside an outer cylinder so as to be movable along an axial direction, and a first support portion having a sheet shape and disposed at a distal end of the first shaft. The first support portion includes a first support surface capable of holding a medical sheet, a pair of first protrusions protruding upward from the first support surface, and a first bent portion provided at a boundary between the first support surface and each of the first protrusions and obtained by bending the first protrusion. The first support portion includes a first slit provided in each of the first bent portions and passing through the first support portion in a thickness direction.

Abstract: A transfer instrument includes an outer cylinder and a carrier member (first carrier member) including a shaft (first shaft) and a support portion (first support portion) having a sheet shape. The support portion is capable of holding a medical sheet larger than the support portion in a width direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the outer cylinder. The support portion is capable of holding the medical sheet so as to bring a portion of the medical sheet protruding from the support portion into contact with another portion of the medical sheet with the support portion retracted in the outer cylinder and deformed into a curved shape.

Abstract: A transfer instrument includes an outer cylinder and a carrier member (first carrier member) including a shaft (first shaft) and a support portion (first support portion) having a sheet shape. The support portion is retracted in the outer cylinder with the support portion deformed into a curved shape at a first position where the shaft is moved in a proximal end direction relative to the outer cylinder so as to cause the support portion to retract in the outer cylinder. When a center portion of a front surface of the first support portion in a width direction faces upward in an unfolded state of the first support portion, both sides of the front surface of the first support portion in the width direction face upward.

Abstract: The disclosed principles provide regulated pressurization and continuity/uniformity in the pressure applied through harvested veins using a unique vein graft preparation pump. Generally speaking, the apparatus incorporates one or more elastic members, each with a predetermined elastic constant or modulus of elasticity, or alternatively a collective predetermined elastic constant or collective modulus of elasticity, that is sufficient to deliver fluids from a syringe through a vessel cannula inserted into the vein section selected for a grafting procedure. Additionally, the disclosed apparatus provides only a limited amount of pressure such that no injury is caused to the vein. Pressure and flow are limited and maintained constant via use of the one or more elastic members, i.e.

Abstract: A pressure-regulated vein graft preparation pump for preparing a vein graft. The pressure-regulated vein graft preparation pump includes: a source of pressurized fluid which is configured to supply the pressurized fluid through a flow path extending through a fluid conduit, a cannula configured to be coupled to an end of the fluid conduit, and a pressure control device coupled to the cannula. The pressure control device is located downstream from the source of the pressurized fluid and configured to limit a pressure exerted on the fluid conduit by the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Methods for affixing soft tissue to an implant. The implant has a soft tissue attachment structure that includes a surface defining one or more troughs, and either at least one ingrowth plate spanning a portion of the trough and defining a suture tunnel between the ingrowth plate and trough for receiving a suture, or fixation bridges spanning a portion of the one or more troughs, each fixation bridge and respective trough defining a suture tunnel for receiving suture. Systems for performing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A human hair implant procedure involves inserting a length of barbed surgical thread through a cannula so that a first portion including a distal end of the barbed surgical thread is near a distal end of the cannula and a second portion is outside the proximal end of the cannula, then inserting the distal end of the cannula through an entry point of the skin of the human and advancing the cannula under the skin until the proximal end of the cannula is near the entry point of the skin. Then, removing the cannula from under the skin, leaving in position under the skin the first portion of barbed surgical thread which secures a hold to tissue under the skin, and finally, attaching hair to the second portion of barbed surgical thread.

Abstract: Described herein is a medical device mold for use in positioning a medical device in the body. The mold holds implantable medical devices such as breast implants in three dimensions thereby overcoming limitations associated with breast reconstruction and augmentation. Methods of use are also described herein.

Abstract: A device comprising a corneal implant for implantation within the cornea, the implant defining a planar body comprising: (i) an inner platform portion located about an axis of circular symmetry of the implant, (ii) a peripheral portion comprising one or more angularly-spaced arms that extend laterally from a peripheral edge of the inner platform, and (iii) a peripheral skirt portion which defines an outer circular perimeter of the implant, wherein the one or more angularly-spaced arms connect between the inner platform and the peripheral skirt portion; a wireless communication circuit configured for receiving an image data signal from an extraocular unit; an image projection controller configured to process the received image data signal to generate an image; and an image generator mounted to the inner platform portion, configured to project an image projection light beam, based on the generated image, in a posterior direction onto the retina of the eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens includes an optic comprising an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and an optical axis. At least one of the anterior surface and the posterior surface has a surface profile including a base curvature, a refractive region having the base curvature, and a diffractive region comprising a diffractive profile including a plurality of diffractive steps. At least a portion of the diffractive profile constitutes a combination of a base diffractive profile defining multiple foci for the ophthalmic lens and an achromatizing structure that reduces longitudinal chromatic aberrations.

Abstract: A system for delivering an intraocular lens (IOL) is disclosed, including: a handpiece including a barrel defining an elongate passage, a pushrod disposed inside the elongate passage, and a plunger coupled to the pushrod; and a delivery unit coupled to a first end of the barrel, the delivery unit including a delivery tube and a lens holder coupled to the delivery tube, the lens holder including a lead haptic shelf arranged to receive a lead haptic of an IOL that is contained inside the lens holder, wherein the lead haptic shelf is configured to fold the lead haptic of the IOL over a body of the IOL while permitting the IOL to travel under the lead haptic shelf when the IOL is displaced from the lens holder to the delivery tube by the pushrod during delivery of the IOL into a patient's eye.

Abstract: Balloon covers for a delivery apparatus for a prosthetic valve are disclosed. As one embodiment, a balloon cover includes first and second shell members that are configured to matingly engage with each other, each of the first and second shell members including a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a larger width than the first portion. The first portions of the first and second shell members define a first cavity configured to receive a distal end portion of the delivery apparatus and at least a portion of an inflatable balloon mounted on the distal end portion of the delivery apparatus. The second portions of the first and second shell members define a second cavity configured to receive a positioning device mounted on the distal end portion of the delivery apparatus, proximal to a valve mounting portion of the distal end portion of the delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A prosthetic venous valve device is disclosed and described, having a valve base including a cylindrical shape with a lumen configured for axial blood flow, the valve base further including an anterograde end and a retrograde end, a pair of flexure pivots coupled to opposite sides of the valve base at the anterograde end, and a pair of leaflets opposingly positioned with respect to one another and each pivotally coupled to one of the pair of flexure pivots, the pair of leaflets being separated from one another in a default open position, wherein the pair of leaflets are structurally configured to pivot from the default open position toward one another to close the prosthetic venous valve to limit retrograde venous blood flow under normal physiologic venous conditions.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly has a valve frame having a leaflet assembly sutured to the valve frame. The heart valve assembly has an annulus frame having an annulus skirt sutured to the annulus frame. The annulus frame is connected to the valve frame. The valve frame and the annulus frame are made from different materials. A delivery system has a balloon catheter having a shaft, a balloon provided on the shaft adjacent the distal end of the catheter, and a valve frame seat located on the shaft directly proximal to the balloon. The delivery system also has a sheath assembly having a capsule that slidably covers the balloon and the valve frame seat in a manner such that the valve frame is seated around the valve frame seat and the annulus frame is seated over the balloon.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a plurality of cells including a lowermost row of cells, a valve including an inner cuff, and a plurality of leaflets secured to the stent, and an outer cuff at least partially covering the lowermost row of cells, the outer cuff having a bottom edge, a top edge, and a plurality of axially projecting arms extending from the top edge, the outer cuff being attached to at least one cell at two side vertices and a bottom vertex to form at least one parachute, and to an upper vertex of the at least one cell via at least one of the plurality of axially projecting arms.

Abstract: An artificial heart valve (100), comprising a body stent and an artificial valve leaflet (130), wherein an outflow end of the body stent is connected to an inflow end of the artificial valve leaflet (130), and when the artificial heart valve (100) is implanted in the heart, the body stent is secured to a mitral valve annulus, and the artificial valve leaflet (130) is in sealing contact with an inner side of a native posterior leaflet (21) of a mitral valve leaflet and mates with a native anterior leaflet (22) of the mitral valve leaflet, so as to ensure unidirectional flow of blood in a left atrium (10) and a left ventricle (20). The artificial valve leaflet (130) is used for space occupation and mating, thereby effectively utilizing the healthy native anterior leaflet (22), and improving the mating performance and service life of the valve leaflet.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to prosthetic heart valves and actuators for prosthetic heart valves. In some examples, the actuator can comprise an internally threaded bore that engages an externally threaded portion of the frame component, such as a stationary post. In some examples, the actuator can comprise an externally threaded end portion that engages an internally threaded bore in a frame component, such as a stationary post.

Abstract: Disclosed are valve replacement devices, systems, and methods. valve replacement devices may comprise one- or two-piece systems comprising an adapter body and a valve assembly with leaflets positioned within the adapter body. In two-piece systems, the valve assembly may be removable from the adapter body such that both can be delivered together or separately, and the adapter body may remain implanted while the valve assembly may be removed and replaced (i.e., “revalved”). Also described are devices (such as a delivery catheter device), systems, and methods related to such delivering and revalving the valve replacement. Such delivery methods may include transseptal insertion of a new minimum leaflet structure, and securement of the valve replacement using several securement type (e.g., supra-annular, sub-annular, radial, leaflet securement, etc.). Also described is a braided helical design that mimics the heart's natural movement, and a flange structure for assisting the functioning of the valve replacement.

Abstract: Disclosed are valve replacement devices, systems, and methods. Valve replacement devices may comprise one- or two-piece systems comprising an adapter body and a valve assembly with leaflets positioned within the adapter body. In two-piece systems, the valve assembly may be removable from the adapter body such that both can be delivered together or separately, and the adapter body may remain implanted while the valve assembly may be removed and replaced (i.e., “revalved”). Also described are devices (such as a delivery catheter device), systems, and methods related to such delivering and revalving the valve replacement. Such delivery methods may include transseptal insertion of a new minimum leaflet structure, and securement of the valve replacement using several securement type (e.g., supra-annular, sub-annular, radial, leaflet securement, etc.). Also described is a braided helical design that mimics the heart's natural movement, and a flange structure for assisting the functioning of the valve replacement.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve assembly includes a radially expandable and compressible annular frame. The frame includes a plurality of interconnected struts, which include a plurality of inner struts and a plurality of outer struts. The inner struts overlap adjacent outer struts at a plurality of pivot joints. Radial expansion or compression of the annular frame causes the inner struts to pivot relative to the outer struts at the pivot joints. The assembly also includes a valvular structure having a plurality of leaflets, each leaflet having a cusp edge portion. The assembly further includes one or more leaflet-supporting cords, each having a plurality of anchoring portions and a plurality of suspended portions, each suspended portion extending between two adjacent anchoring portions. The anchoring portions are affixed to respective anchoring features of the frame adjacent the pivot joints. The cusp edge portions of the leaflets are connected to the suspended portions.

Abstract: A delivery system includes an outer shaft including a capsule at a distal portion thereof configured to restrain a prosthetic device, an inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft, and a capture device disposed between the outer shaft and the inner shaft. The capture device is configured to retain a portion of the prosthetic device. The capture device includes: a body including a central passage, a plurality of radial openings extending from the central passage radially outward to an outer surface of the body, and a plurality of slots in the outer surface of the body; and a plurality of capture loops, each capture loop extending radially outward through a corresponding radial opening, each capture loop configured to extend through a portion of the prosthetic device, and a distal end of each capture loop configured to be releasably restrained in a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots.

Abstract: A delivery catheter, comprising a first catheter section (10), a second catheter section (20), a first pull wire assembly (30) and a second pull wire assembly (40); wherein the first pull wire assembly (30) comprises a first pull wire (32) and a first pull wire ring (31), when the first pull wire (32) is pulled, the first pull wire ring (31) drives the first catheter section (10) to bend; the second pull wire assembly (40) comprises a second pull wire (42) and a second pull wire ring (41), wherein the second pull wire ring (41) is disposed at a distal end of the second catheter section (20) and connected to a proximal end of the first catheter section (10); when the second pull wire (42) is pulled, the second pull wire ring (41) drives the second catheter section (20) to bend; an angle at which the first catheter section (10) can bend is greater than an angle at which the second catheter section (20) can bend.

Abstract: A method includes delivering an implant to a heart of a patient using a delivery tool that includes a nosepiece that is fixed to a shaft and distal to an implant, and an expandable element proximal to the nosepiece. Maximally-expanded, the expandable element (i) has an expanded external diameter at its widest part that is smaller than the expanded internal diameter of a lumen of the frame of the implant and (ii) tapers proximally away from the widest part and from the nosepiece. In a compressed state of the implant a portion of the expandable element is disposed within the lumen of the frame. The method includes, following implantation of the implant, withdrawing the expandable element proximally through the lumen of the implant, between leaflets of the implant, and out of the lumen. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An implantable device or implant is configured to be positioned within a native heart valve to allow the native heart valve to form a more effective seal. The implantable device can be removed using one or more of a cutting device, a capture device, and a stabilization component. The stabilization component can control the position of the implantable device while the cutting device resects one or more of the leaflets to which the implantable device is engaged.

Abstract: A tissue anchor comprises a frame comprising at least a first pointed end and a membrane extending across an opening of the frame. The frame is configured to bend such that the first pointed end extends at least partially over the membrane.

Abstract: Apparatus for affecting operation of a cardiac valve of a heart the valve having cardiac valve leaflets, the enhancer comprising: an annular cardiac brace for mounting to an annulus of a cardiac valve and a scaffolding connected to the brace and comprising at least one extendable scaffolding strut; wherein the apparatus is deformable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration and in the delivery configuration the top wings are oriented substantially back to back along an axis, and the bottom wings are oriented substantially back to back along the same axis and the at least one extendable scaffolding strut lies along the top or bottom wings, and in the deployed configuration the first top and bottom gripping wings face each other to grip the annulus between them and the second top and bottom gripping wings face each other to grip the annulus between them and the at least one extendable scaffolding arm extends away from the wings into a chamber of the heart on a retrograde side of the valve or an

Abstract: A device or implant is configured to be positioned within a native heart valve to allow the native heart valve to form a more effective seal. The device or implant can include connectors that hold movable components of the device together. Components of the device or implant can include flex limiting portions. Paddle frames of the device or implant can be configured to be moved between wide and narrow configurations while substantially maintaining a position where valve leaflets are pressed together by the paddle frames. Paddle frames and/or connectors that widen and narrow the paddle frames can be tapered.

Abstract: An implantable device or implant is configured to be positioned within a native heart valve to allow the native heart valve to form a more effective seal. The device can be deployed from a delivery system including one or more lines which can be decoupled from the device by energizing. The device can include contoured clasps which approximate the shape of the native valve when the clasps are in the closed position. The device can include a coaptation element with body portion including a plurality of struts and openings defining a lattice structure. One or more surfaces of one or more components of the device can be coated to improve the visibility of the device during deployment and implantation.

Abstract: Porous biocompatible structures suitable for use as medical implants and methods for fabricating such structures are disclosed. The disclosed structures may be fabricated using rapid manufacturing techniques. The disclosed porous structures each have a plurality of struts and nodes where no more than two struts intersect one another to form a node. Further, the nodes can be straight, curved, and can include portions that are curved and/or straight. The struts and nodes can form cells that can be fused or sintered to at least one other cell to form a continuous reticulated structure for improved strength while providing the porosity needed for tissue and cell in-growth.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for implanting an antibiotic spacer into a bone cavity. In certain embodiments, the antibiotic spacer comprises a shaft and a plurality of planar members coupled to the shaft. In particular embodiments, the plurality of planar members are configured such that the outer perimeter of each planar member can be intra-operatively modified.

Abstract: The method of making a spinal implant fusion device has the steps of: fabricating an implant body structure using 3D printing to create the implant body structure; additively building the body structure having a superior load bearing surface and an inferior load bearing surface and a wall structure; and wherein the body structure has at least a portion of the body structure having a lattice of interconnected struts forming porous walls with openings or passages extending inwardly from an exterior surface forming a porous or open portion with a void volume to solid mass volume greater than 10 percent, preferably greater than 25 percent. Alternatively, the 3D printed structure may be completely or substantially solid with a surface structure comprised of the interconnected arcs that are raised, or created like troughs that appear to be cut into the surface but were created through 3D printing.

Abstract: The three-dimensional lattice structures disclosed herein have applications including use in medical implants. Some examples of the lattice structure are structural in that they can be used to provide structural support or mechanical spacing. In some examples, the lattice can be configured as a scaffold to support bone or tissue growth. Some examples can use a repeating modified rhombic dodecahedron or radial dodeca-rhombus unit cell. The lattice structures are also capable of providing a lattice structure with anisotropic properties to better suit the lattice for its intended purpose.