Abstract: A medical sling for supporting an anatomical feature having ends that are tapered using a folding fixture and then thermoset. The thermoset ends hold the bunched or folded shape thus allowing the ends to be removed from the fixture and placed into a mold assembly where anchors are molded over the ends.

Abstract: A processor performs machine learning, which uses a radiographic image that does not include a suture needle as a surgical tool and a surgical tool image that includes the suture needle in a posture different from a linear posture as training data, to construct a trained model for detecting a region of the suture needle from an input radiographic image.

Abstract: A puncture instrument kit includes a puncture rod, mesh, and sheath. The puncture rod consists of a puncture head, puncture rod body, and handle. One end of the puncture rod body is connected to the handle and the other end is integrated with the puncture head. The puncture head is arc-shaped with an end gradually tapering to form a tip. The tip of the puncture head is circumferentially designed with a groove for fixing a thread during surgery. The puncture head is smoothly connected with the puncture rod body, and the line between the tip of the puncture head and puncture rod body is at an obtuse angle of 130-140° relative to the puncture rod body. The sheath is sleeved on the puncture rod with the rod tip exposed. The mesh and sheath are designed as separate or integrated, and the tip of the puncture rod is provided with a shape-matching detachable silicone protective sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of links and a plurality of beads interconnected together using the plurality of links. Each link of the plurality of links defines a chord length. The plurality of beads is configured to be arranged in an annular arrangement. Each bead of the plurality of beads includes at least one magnet configured to emit a magnetic field. The annular arrangement is sized and configured to form a loop around an anatomical structure in a patient. The loop in the expanded configuration is configured to permit fluid flow through the anatomical structure. Adjacent magnetic fields of adjacent magnets of the adjacent beads are configured to interact until separated past a minimum threshold in response the annular arrangement moving from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration. The minimum threshold is based on the chord length of the links.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one link and a plurality of beads. The plurality of beads are joined using the at least one link and configured to be arranged in an annular arrangement. Each bead includes at least one magnet. The annular arrangement is sized and configured to form a loop around an anatomical structure in a patient. Adjacent beads are magnetically attracted together at a plurality of magnetic interfaces that include first and second magnetic interfaces. The first magnetic interface has a first magnetic field strength. The second magnetic interface has a second magnetic field strength that is less than the first magnetic field strength so that the beads forming the second interface are configured to separate prior to the beads forming the first interface when the loop moves from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration, thereby providing uniform radial expansion of the loop.

Abstract: Described are micromachined ultrasonic transducers (MUTs) with convex or concave electrodes, which have enhanced pressure amplitude and frequency response behavior when driven at fundamental and harmonic frequencies, as well as methods of making the same.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a sling assembly including two separate slings or sling sections connected via a removable or biodegradable connection mechanism such that the tension in the sling assembly can be readily adjusted after the sling assembly is surgically implanted.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of using medical devices are disclosed. An example tissue retraction device includes a first engagement member having a first end and a second end, a second engagement member having a first end and a second end, a first elastic member attached to the second end of the first engagement member, and a first alignment member having a first end, a second end and a lumen extending therethrough. Further, the tissue retraction device has a first length, the first alignment member has a second length, the first elastic member extends within the lumen of the first alignment member and the second length of the first alignment member is less than or equal to the first length of the tissue retraction device.

Abstract: A method of using at least one implantable mesh extension for repairing a tissue defect or reconstructing tissue, wherein the mesh extension is comprised of a mesh having a width and a length extending between a first end and a second end, includes passing the first end of the mesh extension through tissue adjacent to the tissue defect or tissue to be reconstructed at least once and then passing the first end of the mesh extension through a portion of the mesh. The mesh extension is then pulled to create a first self-locking stitch to anchor the mesh extension to the adjacent tissue so as to immediately resist high tension.

Abstract: In some examples, determining a heart failure status using a medical device comprising one or more sensors includes determining a first value of a heart beat variability metric of a patient while an activity state of a patient satisfies an inactivity criterion based on a signal received from the one or more sensors, and determining, within a predetermined period of time after further determining that the activity state of the patient no longer satisfies the inactivity criterion, a second value of the heart beat variability metric while the activity state of the patient no longer satisfies the inactivity criterion based on the signal. A difference between the first value of the heart beat variability metric and the second value of the heart beat variability metric may be determined and the heart failure status of the patient may be determined based on the difference.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis includes an inflatable cylinder implantable into a penis; a pump fluidically attachable to the inflatable cylinder through a first tube; and a reservoir attachable to the pump through a second tube that is fluidically attachable between the pump and the reservoir. Connectors are provided to couple the reservoir and the pump. A first connector includes a plurality of protrusions and a second connector includes an outer shell forming a plurality of openings. The protrusions mate with the openings to form a connection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to concentrate energy delivery in non-superficial target tissue within a trigone region of a human bladder wall to modulate bladder function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of repairing an inguinal hernia defect including . . . a first portion forming a partial spherical cap surface shaped and dimensioned . . . a second portion extending from an inferior edge of the first portion . . . characterized in that the piece further includes: a third portion forming an arched part extending longitudinally in the inferior direction from a medial inferior corner of the first portion, the arched part extending radially substantially in the front direction, the third portion being intended to face the medial inferior area of the inguinal anatomy, and introducing the prosthesis into a patient.

Abstract: The invention concerns delivering paired magnetic anastomosis devices to either side of tissues to be joined. The magnetic anastomosis devices are coupled to a guide element that facilitates delivery and manipulation of the devices when using minimally-invasive techniques such as endoscopy and laparoscopy. Elongated manipulators and guide tubes ae also disclosed that improve a user's dexterity with the devices during placement.

Abstract: A rectocele device having a rectocele handle with a first static paddle removably affixed to a rectocele paddle connector at a paddle connector end. A second static paddle is configured to replace the first static paddle after the first static paddle is removed from the rectocele paddle connector. The first static paddle is configured and sized to fit within a human vagina wherein the first static paddle is only removable from the handle distal end when the first static paddle is not deployed in the human vagina. The first static paddle is shaped differently from the second static paddle. The first or second static paddle is inserted in a human vagina (by a woman using the rectocele device) wherein the first or second static paddle can be leveraged against a rectocele via the rectocele handle thereby pushing the rectocele bulge back into the colon so that the woman can evacuate a bowel more efficiently.

Abstract: A surgically implanted occluding assembly comprises an implant body having a longitudinally split generally “C”-shaped cross-section tube circumscribing an anatomical lumen. In one embodiment, the surgically implanted occluding assembly is a male continence device selectively occluding a urethra. In some embodiments an occluding magnet is rigidly affixed with the implant body, and an external selective occlusion control assembly is used to selectively activate the surgically implanted occluding assembly. The external assembly has a magnet, and body supporting the magnet. The external selective occlusion control assembly is configured to be selectively placed and retained adjacent to the surgically implanted occluding assembly.

Abstract: An artificial sphincter to be implanted in a urethra, for treating patients suffering from urinary incontinence, includes a container configured to be connected to a wall of a urethra, inside or outside it, a valve unit housed within the container and configured to move from a release configuration to a block configuration and vice-versa. An actuation magnet is movably (rotatably or slidably) arranged between a first and a second position in the container, and is connected to the valve unit such that a predetermined (rotation or translation) movement of the actuation magnet from a first towards a second position, or from the second towards the first position, under the effect of an external manoeuvre magnet, brings the valve unit from the release configuration to the block configuration, where the valve is stably maintained, and from the block configuration to the release configuration, where the valve is stably maintained.

Abstract: A medical device may include an implantable device for treating a body tissue structure. The implantable device may include a plurality of bodies spaced from adjacent bodies and arranged so as to be configured to extend around an exterior surface of a body tissue structure. The bodies may be configured to apply a static force to the body tissue in a relaxed state and may adjust or move in response to a radially outward force above a threshold level that is acting on one or more of the bodies. The bodies may be pliable and/or made with a pliable material. The bodies may be interconnected via interconnecting regions. One or more of the bodies may be configured to articulate so as to conform to movement of a body tissue structure. A skeletal component may or may not extend through one or more of the plurality of bodies.

Abstract: A medical sling for supporting an anatomical feature having ends that are tapered using a folding fixture and then thermoset. The thermoset ends hold the bunched or folded shape thus allowing the ends to be removed from the fixture and placed into a mold assembly where anchors are molded over the ends.

Abstract: An implantable mesh for use in high tension tissue reconstruction includes a mesh body having a surrounding edge and at least two mesh extensions comprised of mesh and extending from the surrounding edge of the mesh body. Each mesh extension has a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween, the first end being integrated into or part of the mesh body. Each mesh extension is configured to be passed through tissue surrounding a reconstruction site to create multiple anchor points with the surrounding tissue upon implantation so as to resist high tension across the reconstruction site without dehiscing or migrating.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods can include a wearable device with an electrically conductive skin interface that excites the underlying nerves from a transcutaneous surface stimulator. The device may be sized for a range of user sizes with stimulation electrodes positioned to target the appropriate nerves, such as the saphenous and/or posterior tibial nerves. Transcutaneous afferent stimulation of one, two, or more peripheral nerves can modulate a brain or spinal pathway associated with bladder function.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to conduits, devices, systems and methods, which may include a hollow element including an inner surface and an outer surface which allows for a passage of one or more of one or more fluid elements and one or more gaseous elements, a constraining element with one or more openings and one or more non-open elements, one or more blocking elements configured to stop the passage of the at least one of the one or more fluid elements and the one or more gaseous elements when the one or more blocking elements are in a first position relative to the one or more openings, and a movement device configured to move the one or more blocking elements to a second position relative to the one or more openings which allows for the passage of the one or more fluid elements and the one gaseous elements through the one or more openings in the constraining element.

Abstract: A disposable device for absorbing urine and/or bodily fluids in the urethra having a cylindrical body about 4-8 mm in diameter by about 3-5 cm in length and having a top and bottom end. The body is made of absorbent material that expands upon contact with urine and bodily fluids and includes a string connected to the bottom end of the body for removing the device from the urethra. The device can be used to treat urinary incontinence and/or erectile dysfunction by inserting into the urethra and removing the device after it has been impregnated with fluid. The device can be included in a kit with a plunger for insertion.

Abstract: Apparatus consisting of a plurality of mechanically connected magnetic elements implanted around the lower esophagus sphincter with the purpose to restore its normal function in patients suffering from gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), while avoiding dysphagia.

Abstract: An artificial bladder system including an implantable bladder, a valve, a number of sensors, and an alert mechanism. The implantable bladder includes an outer wall forming a chamber for collecting urine of a user, the outer wall including inflow openings and an outflow opening. The valve is integrated with the outflow opening to selectively allow urine to flow from the chamber through the outflow opening. The sensors are configured to detect a urine level in the chamber. The alert mechanism is configured to generate a sensory output to alert the user that the bladder should be emptied upon detection of the urine level in the chamber by one of the sensors.

Abstract: Described are surgical implants that include releasable reinforcement, and related methods, particular example implants and methods being useful for treating pelvic tissue, cardiac tissue, and hernia, wherein the releasable reinforcement can be released (removed or disabled) during a surgical procedure to affect a mechanical property of the implant or a portion of the implant.

Abstract: A control assembly for implantation in a patient comprises a first unit adapted for subcutaneous implantation at a first side of a body tissue of said patient, a second unit adapted for implantation in a body cavity of said patient at a second side of said body tissue, wherein at least one of the first and the second unit is adapted to control an implanted powered medical device, and an interconnecting device adapted for mechanical interconnection of the first and second units to keep the assembly in place by the body tissue, the interconnecting device having a cross-sectional area which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first unit and the second unit in a plane parallel to the extension of the body tissue.

Abstract: A method for removing fluid from a patient is provided, the method including: deploying a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter into a ureter of a patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient; deploying a bladder catheter into the bladder of the patient, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and applying negative pressure to the proximal end of the bladder catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient to remove fluid from the patient. Systems and kits related thereto also are provided.

Abstract: A cuff for an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) system includes an interior wall that is smooth and characterized by an absence of creases, an exterior wall that provides the cuff with a backboard adapted to support movement of the interior wall, and endwalls. A cavity is located between the interior wall, the exterior wall, and the pair of endwalls and is adapted to contain a liquid. Liquid in the cavity is maintained at an equilibrium pressure that is selected to displace the interior wall and maintain the cuff in a closed position around the urethra to provide the user with urinary continence.

Abstract: An assembly includes a bone marrow aspiration adaptor (10), which includes a distal interface member (12) and a proximal interface member (14), which extend in opposite directions from a body (16). A lumen (18) extends through the distal interface member (12) and the proximal interface member (14). The proximal interface member (14) includes a fluid connector (22). A seal (24) is disposed in the distal interface member (12) inside the lumen (18).

Abstract: A motor response of a muscle to neural stimulation is assessed. Electrical stimuli are applied from a first electrode to a selected neural pathway to evoke an efferent neural response. A slow neural response upon the neural pathway evoked by the electrical stimuli is observed. Based on the slow neural response, a motor response of at least one muscle to the stimuli is assessed.

Abstract: A method for removing fluid from a patient is provided, the method including: deploying a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter into a ureter of a patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient; deploying a bladder catheter into the bladder of the patient, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and applying negative pressure to the proximal end of the bladder catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient to remove fluid from the patient. Systems and kits related thereto also are provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for treating urinary incontinence in women. The method comprises accessing the urethra though an incision in the vagina and implanting a restriction device on the urethra or the neck of the urinary bladder. There are also disclosed methods for energizing and controlling the restriction device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for strengthening pelvic floor muscles which can be used even when a user wears clothes and thus can be used comfortably without psychological burden; can be cleanly used without the remains of foreign matter around the urethra and the anus or on the exterior of the apparatus after use; can perform treatment in a state in which an electrode portion is pressed in close contact with the bladder and the pelvic floor muscles through a height adjustment means; and can perform both an active exercise through low-frequency pulses and a passive exercise through a muscular strength sensing means.

Abstract: A medical device and method of use comprising a base portion having a length extending from proximal end and a distal end and a width extending from a first side to a laterally opposed second side. At least one arm extending from at least one of the first or second sides, the at least one arm extending a distance greater than the width of the base portion. The arm being configured to extend around at least a portion of a cervical isthmus.

Abstract: Described are implants and dilators useful in a sacral colpopexy procedure, and related methods. The present invention relates to systems, tools, and methods for treating pelvic organ prolapse by use of a pelvic implant to support pelvic tissue. The pelvic treatments include, for example, treatment of vaginal prolapse by laparoscopic or abdominal procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical implants with adjustable size features, and methods for treating pelvic conditions by use of the implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable apparatus for obtaining urinary control and emptying of the urinary bladder. The apparatus operates with a powered member operating from the outside of the urinary bladder assisted by a support structure to discharge urine from the urinary bladder. A control device controls the operation of the powered member. The control device further comprises a source of energy for operating the powered member and other energy consuming parts of the apparatus and a control assembly.

Abstract: A combination flashlight and electronic sensing device for identifying urine or feces or both and configured for facilitating stealthy detection of the same.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides an implantable system for managing urinary incontinence. The system includes a sling with an elongate body member having a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is configured to be positioned underneath urethra of a subject for providing an adequate support to prevent leakage of urine during a stress event. The system may include a pressure sensor communicatively coupled with the elongated body member and configured to be positioned in an abdominal cavity and adapted to sense an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The pressure sensor generates a first signal that is indicative of a change in the intra-abdominal pressure upon occurrence of the pressure event. The system includes a processing circuit to process the signal sensed by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the implants that are useful for anchoring an implant to tissue.

Abstract: The invention discloses an implant. The implant may include a first flap and a second flap. The first flap may further include a first portion, a second portion and a transition region. The first portion may be configured to be attached proximate a sacrum. The second portion may be configured to be attached to an anterior vaginal wall. The transition region lies between the first portion and the second portion. The second flap may be fabricated such that a portion of the second flap is configured to be attached to a posterior vaginal wall. The implant may be configured such that a value corresponding to a biomechanical parameter defining a biomechanical attribute of the portion of the first flap attaching to the anterior wall is different from a value of the biomechanical parameter defining the biomechanical attribute of the portion of the second flap attaching to the posterior wall.

Abstract: A method for providing support to a urethra in treating urinary incontinence includes passing first and second elongate members coupled to a urethral support through an incision in the vaginal wall, around sides of the urethra and behind a pubic bone. The method includes locating the urethral support under the urethra applying tension to one of the elongate members with a rotary force tensioner and adjusting tension of the urethral support.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence includes providing a support and a system of anchors connected to the support, securing some of anchors in the system of anchors into obturator foramen of a patient, securing other anchors of the system of anchors into periosteum tissue covering the pelvis bone, and implanting the support into the patent through an incision.

Abstract: A system and method for treating anorectal and/or genitourinary dysfunction includes implanting, in a minimally invasive manner, an electro-medical device for stimulation of two or more anatomical or histological structures of the anorectal region and/or genitourinary region. Electrodes operably connected to the device are positioned proximate the target anatomical or histological structures. The device provides either the same or different stimulation algorithms to each anatomical or histological structure, which may be the same or different. The varied stimulation parameters, such as pulse width, pulse amplitude, and pulse frequency, are defined such that after an application of the electrical pulses, an abdominal leak pressure, an abdominal leak volume, or a urine volume increases or a number of incontinent episodes or a mean incontinence volume per episode decreases relative to said parameters prior to the application of the electrical pulses.

Abstract: A urinary tract valve includes an expandable valve element positionable within a bladder of a patient via a urinary tract of the patient in a collapsed configuration. The expandable valve element is configured to transition from the collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration after being positioned within the bladder of the patient. The expandable valve element includes a ferromagnetic element that facilitates selective control of the expandable valve element with a magnetic field between an open position and a closed position when positioned within the bladder of the patient. In the closed position, the expandable valve element is configured to seal an internal urethral opening of the patient. In the open position, the expandable valve element is configured to allow urine to pass from the bladder of the patient, through an internal urethral opening of the patient and into a urethra of the patient.

Abstract: A urethral stent for arrangement in the urethra of a patient is disclosed. The ethereal stent includes a tubular body having first and second openings, retention elements connected to the tubular body at the first opening and to the tubular body at a distance from the first retention element, and a valve. The valve includes a valve seat formed by the first opening and a valve element that is pivotably connected to the tubular body and/or the valve seat. The valve is pivotable between a closed position and an open position to close and open the lumen, respectively. The valve is at least partly made of a ferromagnetic material and has an area which exceeds the area of the first opening. A bladder control assembly comprising the urethral stent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical method for placing an implantable medical device for constricting at least one of a patient's rectum, anal channel, anal sphincter or colon. The surgical method comprises creating an incision in a vaginal wall of a patient, inserting a surgical instrument through said incision. The instrument comprising an elongated main part, an elongated member having a proximal end fixed to a distal end of the elongated main part by means of a first adjustable joint having a pivotal axis, for adjusting a first angle between the main part of the instrument and the elongated member between 0 and 180 degrees, wherein the elongated main part and the elongated member lie in a first plane extending perpendicularly to the pivotal axis.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.