Abstract: The present disclosure provides a treatment method for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy applied to an ablation system comprising an ablation needle assembly and an energy generating device coupled to the ablation needle assembly. The treatment method comprises: advancing a distal end of the ablation needle assembly from an outside of a body through an intercostal and a cardiac apex into a ventricular septum; turning on the energy generating device, and using the distal end of the ablation needle assembly to perform radio-frequency ablation or microwave ablation to hypertrophied myocardium within the ventricular septum to make it necrotic and/or atrophic. The present disclosure avoids risk and pain of surgical septal myectomy and extracorporeal circulation in surgical resection, and does not have risk of large-area myocardial infarction caused by alcohol ablation. It is easy to operate and slight trauma to patients.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods described herein may be for treatment to skin, including but not limited to wound healing, the treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of scars or keloids. A book-like packaging, applicator and/or tensioning device may be used to apply a dressing to a subject. The packaging, applicator and/or tensioning device may apply and/or maintain a strain in an elastic dressing.

Abstract: A container includes a dry concentrate designed such that the dry concentrate forms an acid liquid concentrate, or a part of an acid liquid concentrate, which is suitable for manufacturing a dialysis solution, on the dissolution of the dry concentrate in a liquid, preferably in water.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for accessing the hip joint. A first device can be securely attached to the capsule of a joint. The first device can tent the capsule to increase the volume of the peripheral compartment. A second device can be biased against the first device to pierce the tented capsule and create a portal. Devices and methods are also disclosed herein for distending the capsule of a joint. A distention device may access a portal established within the capsule. The distention device can expand the capsule by applying an expansive force within the peripheral compartment. The distention device can maintain distention of the peripheral compartment while other devices access the joint.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a three-dimensional shaped article in which the three-dimensional shaped article is produced by stacking a plurality of layers, and the method includes a layer formation step of forming layers by using a composition that contains a powder, a solvent, and a binder which constitute the three-dimensional shaped article, a solvent removal step of removing the solvent contained in the layers, a thermal treatment step of applying heat at a temperature equal to or higher than a glass transition temperature of the binder to the layers obtained by performing the layer formation step and the solvent removal step, and a heating step of carrying out at least one of degreasing and sintering with respect to a stack of the three-dimensional shaped article that has been thermally treated in the thermal treatment step.

Abstract: An interactive treatment mapping and planning system enables a user to more quickly, thoroughly, and efficiently aggregate fibroid and/or treatment information from a user and/or one or more sets of databases, construct a fibroid map providing a visual representation of the aggregated fibroid information, generate information from the aggregated information about the fibroid to be treated and/or treatment procedure, develop a treatment plan based on the fibroid and/or treatment procedure information, provide real-time information gathered from treatment devices during the treatment procedure, and allow the user to interact with the treatment data.

Abstract: Novel mesh implant positioning systems for use in laparoscopic body wall defect repairs, such as hernia defects, are disclosed. The systems utilize one or more bar members combined with surgical sutures and needles to position a mesh implant adjacent to a body wall defect without the need for stay sutures. Also disclosed are assemblies of the positioning systems with surgical mesh repair implants, and methods of repairing body wall defects such as hernias with the assemblies.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for embolizing an artery in a living subject using a catheter are disclosed. The catheter has a lumen and also has a balloon located near the distal end of the catheter. The distal end of the catheter is introduced into the artery, and the balloon is inflated to form a seal that prevents blood in the artery from flowing past the balloon. A mixture that includes embolic particles and contrast agent is injected through the lumen into the portion of the artery that is distally beyond the balloon. The subject's own blood or another fluid that contains platelets is injected through the lumen into the portion of the artery that is distally beyond the balloon. Subsequently, the balloon is deflated and the distal end of the catheter is withdrawn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exopolysaccharide derived from Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain CY01 (KCTC 12867BP) which is a novel strain living in the polar regions, and to a composition for cryoprotection of cells, which contains the exopolysaccharide. The exopolysaccharide of the present invention has an excellent ability to cryoprotect cells, and shows no cytotoxicity. Thus, the inventive exopolysaccharide can substitute for conventional cryoprotective agents that show cytotoxicity when used at high concentrations.

Abstract: A method for predicting oil and gas production comprising a new and improved reservoir production modeling and forecasting system, containing a commercialized physics-based forecasting tool, that fully incorporates a complete production analysis system for the evaluation of petroleum reservoir production performance. Said method precisely forecasts production and estimates reserves to maximize profitability, increases the predictability of oil and gas reservoir production, and minimizes errors in production forecasting and booking reserves.

Abstract: An ocular surgical apparatus is provided, including a processor configured to receive ocular surgical data and a graphical user interface configured to display the ocular surgical data to a user. The processor configured to filter the ocular surgical data and the graphical user interface configured to display filtered ocular surgical data. The processor is configured to receive a number of ocular surgical data samples, discard selected ocular surgical data samples thereby yielding a number of emphasized samples, and perform an operation on the number of emphasized samples to produce filtered ocular surgical data.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a spacer in the form of an attachment (15) to be mounted to an endoscope (1), said attachment being formed like a cap, enclosing a spatial volume (16) and being made of an insulating material. The attachment (15) is further equipped with a mounting device/adapter (6) designed to be coupled to a distal end of the endoscope (1). The attachment (15) comprises an area (11) designed to be in contact with a target tissue and further forms an aperture (12) enclosing a surface area (12a). Within the spatial volume, there is arranged an electrode (9) comprising a distal (9b) and a proximal (9a) end, the distal (9b) end of the electrode (9) having a predetermined minimum distance to the closest point of the surface area (12a).

Abstract: Methods and surgical system for performing a surgical procedure. The surgical system includes a robotic system with a robotic arm having a surgical instrument attached thereto. A computer system of the robotic system receives at least one image and forms a model of a surgical area. A computer operated tracking system of the robotic system obtains position data related to a patient's bone from tracking elements. Based on the model of the surgical area and the tracked bone position, the robotic arm then performs the surgical procedure with the surgical instrument, and the robotic system adjusts the procedure as a result of the tracked bone position.

Abstract: The devices and method described herein allow for therapeutic damage to increase volume in these hyperdynamic hearts to allow improved physiology and ventricular filling and to reduce diastolic filling pressure by making the ventricle less stiff. For example, improving a diastolic heart function in a heart by creating at least one incision in cardiac muscle forming an interior heart wall of the interior chamber where the at least one incision extends into one or more layers of the interior heart wall without puncturing through the interior heart wall and the incision is sufficient to reduce a stiffness of the interior chamber to increase volume of the chamber and reduce diastolic filling pressure.

Abstract: A patellar implant including a base portion formed of a porous metallic material, a polymeric portion formed of a polymeric material and attached to the base portion, and a membrane embedded between the base portion and the polymeric portion to provide a barrier between the porous metallic material and the polymer material.

Abstract: The application relates to compounds having functional substituents in a specific spatial arrangement, to devices comprising same, and to the preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: The present application is directed to the field of surgical implants useful in orthopedic surgery. In one aspect, the present application provides a novel, preshaped allograft or xenograft bone tendon (BT) or bone tendon bone graft (BTB) having at least a portion of the tendon that is wider than the bone blocks. Such preshaped grafts allow for more efficacious surgeries and reduced surgical time.

Abstract: An optical system adapted to detect an object including a beam splitting and combing element, a catheter, a focusing element, a deformation detecting module, and an object detecting module is provided. The catheter sleeves outside an optical fiber, and the optical fiber has at least one fiber Bragg gratings. The deformation detecting module and the object detecting module are coupled to the beam splitting and combing element. A first light is reflected by the at least one fiber Bragg gratings and then transmitted to the deformation detecting module. A second light is transmitted to and reflected by the object, so as to be transmitted to the object detecting module. A first wavelength range of the first light is different from a second wavelength range of the second light.

Abstract: A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. A suture receiver is disposed adjacent to, or integral with, the opposite jaw to help disengage the suture carried by the bendable needle. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.

Abstract: A system and method of variable velocity control of a surgical instrument in a computer-assisted medical device includes a surgical instrument having an end effector located at a distal end of the instrument, an actuator, and one or more drive mechanisms for coupling force or torque from the actuator to the end effector. To perform an operation with the instrument, the computer-assisted medical device is configured to set a velocity set point of the actuator to an initial velocity and monitor force or torque applied by the actuator. When the applied force or torque is above a first force or torque limit it is determined whether a continue condition for the operation is satisfied. When the continue condition is satisfied the operation is paused and when the continue condition is not satisfied it is determined whether forced firing of the actuator should take place.

Abstract: A body thickness estimation unit estimates a body thickness of a subject for each pixel of a radiographic image including a primary ray component and a scattered ray component, on the basis of the radiographic image. A bone part pixel value acquisition unit acquires a bone part pixel value which is a pixel value of a bone region of the subject, on the basis of the radiographic image. An information acquisition unit acquires bone mineral information indicating a bone mineral content of the bone region for each pixel of the bone region on the basis of imaging conditions in a case in which the radiographic image has been acquired, the body thickness for each pixel, and the bone part pixel value.

Abstract: Described herein is a shock wave device for the treatment of vascular occlusions. The shock wave device includes an outer covering and an inner member inner connected at a distal end of the device. First and second conductive wires extend along the length of the device within the volume between the outer covering and the inner member. A conductive emitter band circumscribes the ends of the first and second wires to form a first spark gap between the end of the first wire and the emitter band and a second spark gap between the end of the second wire and the emitter band. When the volume is filled with conductive fluid and a high voltage pulse is applied across the first and second wires, first and second shock waves can be initiated from the first and second spark gaps.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for assembling elastomeric laminates, wherein elastic material may be stretched and joined with either or both first and second substrates. First spools are rotated to unwind first elastic strands from a first unwinder in a machine direction. The first elastic strands are positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate to form an elastomeric laminate. Before the first elastic strands are completely unwound from the rotating first spools, second spools are rotated to unwind second elastic strands from a second unwinder. Subsequently, the advancement of the first elastic strands from the first unwinder is discontinued. Thus, the elastomeric laminate assembly process may continue uninterrupted while switching from an initially utilized elastic material drawn from the first spools to a subsequently utilized elastic material drawn from the second spools.

Abstract: A method for generating control data for a treatment device includes providing cornea data based on data of a refractive correction and specifying the cornea incision surfaces. The cornea incision surfaces include a cap incision surface disposed beneath a surface layer of corneal tissue and partially defining a selected lenticule volume and a lenticule incision surface disposed beneath the cap incision surface and further defining the selected lenticule volume. The method further includes generating a control data record for the cornea incision surfaces for purposes of controlling the laser apparatus. The cap incision surface is irregularly shaped and has extensions into surrounding tissue, and/or the lenticule incision surface is irregularly shaped and has extensions into surrounding tissue. The lenticule incision surface and the cap incision surface isolate the selected lenticule volume.

Abstract: Medical kits and methods for performing small incision DLEK include a corneal transplantation donor tissue graft formed into an implantable and compact rolled configuration using the flexible substrate.

Abstract: A device adapted to deliver red/NIR light through an eyelid of a patient, the device comprising: a) a nose bridge, b) a first orbital rim adapted to encircle a first eye, wherein the first orbital rim is attached to the bridge, and c) a red/NIR LED attached to the rim.

Abstract: A percussive therapy device that includes a housing, an electrical source, a motor positioned in the housing, a switch for activating the motor, and a routine controller configured to initiate a protocol configured to apply at least one output of the percussive therapy device in response to user input, and initiate at least one step of the protocol in which the percussive therapy device is applied in accordance with the at least one output.

Abstract: A knot may be formed in suture material using a device having an elongated body with a longitudinal axis and a holder. A rail portion of the suture material is secured with a first grasper on the elongated body and a non-rail portion of the suture material is secured with a second grasper on the holder. A plurality of helical windings may be created with the non-rail portion. Detaching the holder from the elongated body in a motion away from the longitudinal axis of the elongated body completes the knot. The holder may be wrapped around the elongated body in a knot-forming pattern.

Abstract: An injectate delivery device for expanding tissue is provided. The injectate delivery device comprises: at least one fluid delivery tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therebetween; at least one fluid delivery element in fluid communication with the at least one fluid delivery tube lumen; a radially expanding element comprising the at least one fluid delivery element; a supply of vacuum constructed and arranged to cause tissue to tend toward the at least one fluid delivery element; and at least one control constructed and arranged to perform a function. The at least one control can be constructed and arranged to expand the radially expandable element and activate the supply of vacuum. Systems and method of injectate delivery are also provided.

Abstract: Surgical tools and kits are disclosed for repairing hyaline or meniscal cartilage, using membrane segments to protect and promote the growth and activity of cartilage-generating cells. These kits include: (i) a set of dilator tubes, adapted from similar tubes used in spinal surgery except shorter, that will allow a surgeon to progressively enlarge an insertion tunnel for inserting a membrane segment into an articulating joint that is being repaired; and, (ii) an assortment of membrane “tamping” devices, with smooth rounded “tamping heads” (or tips, etc.), and with a size and length that allow the tool tip to pass through the longest dilator tube while being held by the surgeon. Additional components (including disposable supplies) that can help facilitate these types of surgery can be included in any such kit, or in “supplemental” kits that can be bundled and shipped with these “primary” kits.

Abstract: A system for forming a corneal implant includes a cutting apparatus, which includes a laser source that emits a laser and optical elements that direct the laser. The system includes a controller implemented with at least one processor and at least one data storage device. The controller generates a sculpting plan for modifying a first shape of a lenticule formed from corneal tissue and achieving a second shape for the lenticule to produce a corneal implant with a refractive profile to reshape a recipient eye. The sculpting plan is determined from measurements relating to the lenticule having the first shape and information relating to a refractive profile for a corneal implant. The controller controls the cutting apparatus to direct, via the one or more optical elements, the laser from the laser source to sculpt the lenticule according to the sculpting plan to produce the corneal implant with the refractive profile.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument system for use during a surgical procedure to implant an orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial base trial component adapted to be positioned on a surgically-prepared proximal end of a patient's tibia and an insert component shaped to be received in an opening defined in the tibial base trial component. The insert component has a base plate and a central post extending upwardly from a superior surface of the base plate. A superior surface of the central post has a ramp surface defined therein, with the ramp surface inclining superiorly in the anterior-to-posterior direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument articulation assembly includes a lead screw sub-assembly including four lead screws. A first gear sub-assembly includes first and second gears coupled to the first and third lead screws. A second gear sub-assembly includes third and fourth gears coupled to the second and fourth lead screws, respectively, a first compound gear including a distal gear coupling the first and second gears with one another, and a proximal gear coupled with a first coupling gear disposed about a first input. The third gear sub-assembly includes a second compound gear including a distal gear coupling the third and fourth gears with one another, and a proximal gear coupled with a second coupling gear disposed about a second input. A rotational input provided to the first or second input respectively rotates the first and third lead screws and or the second and fourth lead screws.

Abstract: A method of treating plantar fasciitis or chronic heel spur syndrome includes inserting a first needle having a distal tip into a plantar aspect of a foot and advancing the distal tip to a location where a plantar fascia originates, and inserting a second needle having a distal tip into a medial aspect of the foot and advancing the distal tip of the second needle to the location where the plantar fascia originates. Medical imaging confirms that the distal tips of the first and second needles are located where the plantar fascia originates. After medical imaging, the second needle is removed from the foot, and a third needle having a sharpened distal tip is inserted into a medial opening formed by the second needle. The sharpened distal tip of the third needle is advanced through the medial opening to the location where the plantar fascia originates. Medical imaging confirms the location of the sharpened distal tip of the third needle.

Abstract: The problem of positioning one or more nerve ends inside a sheathing implant is solved by the use of a pulley and cinching systems that pull a nerve end into an implant and that can adjust the diameter of an implant to conform the implant to the diameter of the nerve, respectively. The pulley system utilizes a suture that traverses the wall of an implant leaving one end outside the implant wall and another end that can be attached to a nerve. Pulling the suture end outside the wall pulls the nerve attached to the other end of the suture into the bore of the implant. A cinching system utilizes specially arranged sutures within the wall of an implant to tighten or cinch up the wall after a nerve is placed therein, so as to conform at least part of the implant to the diameter of the nerve. Methods are also disclosed by which such pulley systems can be formed during an intraoperative procedure.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a leaking implanted device capable of being hydraulically adjusted by introducing or withdrawing hydraulic fluid to/from the device, the device having an inner space for enclosing the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A dual guidewire lumen catheter includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member. The first elongated member includes a first integral portion, a first free portion, and a first lumen extending there through. The first lumen is configured to receive a first guidewire. The first free portion has a first distal end and a first aperture configured to receive the first guidewire. The second elongated member includes a second distal end and a second lumen there through. The second lumen is configured to receive a second guidewire and the second distal end has a second aperture configured to receive the second guidewire. The second elongated member is integral with the first integral portion of the first elongated member and the first free portion is moveable with respect to a central axis of the catheter.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive procedures in a body lumen may include a flexible catheter having a plurality of lumens including a main lumen configured to receive an endoscope and at least one tool lumen; a first working instrument slidably disposed within a first tool lumen of the at least one tool lumen; a plurality of support elements disposed at a distal end of the catheter, the plurality of support elements being configured to shift between delivery and expanded configurations, wherein in the expanded configuration, the plurality of support elements forms an expanded cage to reshape the body lumen and form a working space; wherein at least one of the plurality of support elements is a tubular shaft having an opening proximate the working space; and a filament extending through the tubular shaft to a clip disposed outside the opening, the clip being manipulatable by the first working instrument.

Abstract: A method of positioning a uterine manipulator within a patient includes applying a deforming force to a colpotomizer cup of the uterine manipulator to adjust the colpotomizer cup from a nominal width configuration to a reduced width configuration, inserting the colpotomizer cup into a vaginal canal of the patient while the colpotomizer cup is in the reduced width configuration, removing the deforming force from the colpotomizer cup to allow the colpotomizer cup to expand from the reduced width configuration to the nominal width configuration, and positioning the colpotomizer cup about a cervix of the patient while the colpotomizer cup is in the nominal width configuration.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a surgical device for coagulating soil tissue such as atrial tissue in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia. The surgical device can include at least one elongate member comprising conductive elements adapted to coagulate soft tissue when radiofrequency or direct current energy is transmitted to the conductive elements. Openings through said conductive elements are routed through lumens in the elongate member to a vacuum source to actively engage the soft tissue surface intended to coagulate into intimate contact with the conductive elements to facilitate the coagulation process and ensure the lesions created are consistent, contiguous, and transmural.

Abstract: Various medical devices and methods are described herein. For example, various detachable control handle configurations for inclusion with a medical device are described. In another example, various probe configurations are described herein. Furthermore, various methods of treatment using a control handle are described.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods of using verteporfin-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) to increase the biomechanical strength of the cornea. More particularly, described herein are compositions and methods for cross-linking collagen in corneal tissue which are useful in the treatment of corneal ectatic disorders.

Abstract: A polymeric material that is capable of being employed as a build material and/or support material in a three-dimensional printer system is provided. The polymeric material is formed from a thermoplastic composition containing a continuous phase that includes a matrix polymer. A microinclusion additive and nanoinclusion additive are dispersed within the continuous phase in the form of discrete domains.

Abstract: The invention relates to ophthalmology, in particular to the surgical treatment technique of macular holes at the early stages without vitrectomy. The method for treating stage 1 macular hole without vitrectomy comprises peeling the posterior hyaloid membrane away from the foveola, wherein an ophthalmological instrument is inserted through the vitreous body until it comes into contact with the posterior hyaloid membrane in the macular area, the posterior hyaloid membrane then being gripped by said instrument and peeled away from the foveola, in accordance with the invention, and after the contact between the instrument and the posterior hyaloid membrane an opening is made therein, whereby the edge of the opening is then used to lift the posterior hyaloid membrane and peel it away from the foveola until the layers are separated; wherein the instrument used is an ophthalmological membrane spatula comprising a handle 1 and a pointed working part 2 with a tip 3 shaped as a hook.

Abstract: A dual lumen cannula includes a first tube defining a return lumen and having a proximal end, a mid-portion and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a return aperture. A second tube is coaxial with the first tube and has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the second tube is fixedly attached to the mid-portion of the first tube and wherein the distal end of the second tube includes a drainage aperture. A drainage lumen is defined by a space between the first tube and the second tube. A connector is attached to the proximal end of the second tube. The connector includes a reservoir for receiving a fluid from the proximal end of the second tube. The first tube extends through the connector and does not attach directly with the second tube at the connector, and the first tube remains substantially coaxial with the second tube throughout a length of the second tube.

Abstract: A heart rotator tool uses a malleable guide rail with a distal end adapted to conform to a desired shape along a surface of a heart tissue. A suction cup is adapted for grasping the heart tissue. A slider is slidably mounted on the guide rail which is flexible to conform to the shape of the guide rail while sliding, the slider having a distal end connected to the suction cup and having a proximal end for providing a handgrip. A vacuum tube is joined to the suction cup and carried by the slider. The vacuum tube is adapted to selectively (i.e., selectably couple a vacuum source to the suction cup. After arranging the guide rail around the heart and sliding the suction cup to a desired position, the vacuum is activated and subsequent sliding of the suction cup via movement of the handgrip rotates the heart as desired.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and procedures for placement of a medical device between adjacent tissue structures. In particular, the present disclosure relates to endoscopic systems and methods for preventing or minimizing movement between tissue walls to facilitate placement of a stent therebetween.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a blood vessel, wherein the prosthesis is inserted intraluminally and fixed in the vessel so as to isolate a diseased section thereof and maintain the flow of blood from the vessel to collateral vessels involved the diseased section, and the prosthesis comprises a stent support and a flexible fabric liner of woven material comprising a plurality of concentric layers, wherein each of said layers has a very open fabric web which allows the passage of blood flow through the layers during the installation or the prosthesis but which allows the sealing of layers once the prosthesis is installed. A method is also provided for safe installation of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A bioinductive patch includes a patch body and a button. The patch body has an inner space. The button is disposed in the inner space of the patch body. A method for manufacturing a bioinductive patch includes step in which a patch body having an inner space is provided. The method continues with step in which a button is disposed in the inner space of the patch body.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including a light source that, in operation, emits pulsed light to a measurement target; a diffusion member that is disposed between the light source and the measurement target, and diffuses the pulsed light; an image sensor that includes at least one pixel, the at least one pixel including a photodiode and a charge accumulator that, in operation, accumulates signal charge from the photodiode; and a control circuit that, in operation, controls the image sensor. The control circuit causes the image sensor to start to accumulate the signal charge with the charge accumulator in a falling period of a returned pulsed light which is returned from the measurement target to the image sensor due to the emission of the pulsed light, the falling period being a period from start to end of a decrease of an intensity of the returned pulsed light.