Abstract: A method of creating an anastomosis includes steps of advancing a distal tip of a catheter device through a first blood vessel into a second blood vessel, while simultaneously advancing a proximal base of the device into the first vessel, contacting a wall of the first vessel with a distal blunt surface on the proximal base. A further step is to retract the distal tip so that a proximal blunt base of the distal tip contacts a wall of the second vessel, thereby capturing the two vessel walls between the blunt surfaces of the proximal base and the distal tip. A controlled pressure is applied between the two blunt surfaces to compress and stabilize the captured tissue and approximate the vessel walls. A clip is deployed through the captured tissue to hold the tissue in place during the anastomosis procedure. The anastomosis is created by applying cutting energy to the captured tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments related to surgical anchors are described. In some embodiments, a surgical anchor may include a selectively removable blocker which may prevent one or more barbs of the surgical anchor from engaging with adjacent tissue until the selectively removable blocker is removed.

Abstract: A system for endoscopically forming an anastomosis between two naturally adjacent points in the digestive tract. The system utilizes elongate magnetic devices that, when connected across a tissue boundary, necrose tissue until an anastomosis forms and the devices are passed naturally. Despite the elongate shape of the devices, the resulting anastomosis is substantially round. As such, round anastomoses can be formed having increased diameters merely by increasing the lengths of the devices, obviating the need for wider endoscopes.

Abstract: Soft tissue repair grafts are provided for supporting, covering, and/or retaining an implant positioned in the body of a subject. The grafts are particularly suitable for use for pre-pectoral breast reconstruction with a breast implant or tissue expander. The grafts include positional notches for more accurate positioning in a subject. The grafts also include at least one cuff element which is folded to form a reinforced folded edge for suturing the graft more securely to adjacent tissues than previously known grafts. The grafts also include a plurality of arcuate slots which form a plurality of circular patterns arranged concentrically about a focal point, thereby enabling the grafts to expand without tearing and to conform more closely to the implant and/or adjacent body tissues such as the breast pocket, than previously known grafts. Acellular dermal matrices are particularly suitable for making the soft tissue repair grafts.

Abstract: A repair prosthetic for repairing a hernia is disclosed. In some embodiments, the repair prosthetic includes a patch body, a frame that assists in spreading the patch body from a reduced configuration to an expanded configuration, and a plurality of tethers attached to the patch body at locations between the frame and a periphery of the patch body. In various embodiments, the tethers can be tensioned to mitigate curling or creasing in the patch body to flatten the patch to facilitate attachment to tissue.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a buttress retention assembly. The buttress retention assembly includes a sleeve configured to be detachably coupled with a first jaw member of a tool assembly of the surgical stapling apparatus, and a buttress material. The sleeve includes a proximal hook extending transversely outward from a lateral side of the sleeve, and a mouth including a hook configured to be received in a knife slot of the first jaw member. The mouth includes an inner surface having an inwardly extending boss. The buttress material includes a tab extending transversely outward from a lateral side thereof. The tab defines a proximal slot configured to receive the proximal hook of the sleeve. At least a portion of the distal end portion extends through the mouth of the sleeve. The distal end portion defines a distal slot dimensioned to receive the boss of the sleeve.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device delivery assembly includes a pusher assembly having proximal and distal ends, a conductive sacrificial link disposed at the distal end of the pusher assembly, and a vaso-occlusive device secured to the pusher assembly by the sacrificial link. The pusher assembly includes first and second conductors extending between the proximal and distal ends thereof. The sacrificial link is electrically coupled between the first and second conductors, such that the first conductor, sacrificial link and second conductor form an electrical circuit, and, when a disintegration current is applied through the sacrificial link through the first and second conductors, the sacrificial link thermally disintegrates, thereby releasing the attachment member and vaso-occlusive device from the pusher assembly.

Abstract: A device for percutaneous venous valve repair generally including a catheter and a retractable and extendable member for deploying an object that affixes a portion of a venous valve leaflet to an adjacent vein wall. A related method for percutaneous venous valve repair is revealed to include percutaneously inserting a device as described herein into a peripheral vasculature of a living subject so as to affix at least a portion of a leaflet of a venous valve to an adjacent vein wall.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system includes an applicator pad, an application device (e.g., a grip), and a reservoir. The grip can be releasably couplable to the applicator pad and configured to dispose the applicator pad against a wound of a subject such that pressure can be transferred to the wound via the applicator pad to enhance hemostasis. The reservoir can be configured to contain medication to be released to the wound via the applicator pad.

Abstract: A memory fastening device includes a fastener head that is positioned along the first end of an elongated body having a tapered second end, and a plurality of serrations. The head includes an opening having a shape that is complementary to the shape of the main body. A ratchet mechanism is positioned within the head and functions to engage the serrations to form a closed loop. The main body includes a layered construction having a core layer and an outer layer. The core layer is constructed from a piece of malleable metal having shape memory for maintaining a shape to which the device is manipulated, and the outer layer is constructed from an electrically non-conductive material that encapsulates the metallic memory core.

Abstract: A clamp includes upper clamp assemblies, lower clamp assemblies, a base, a locking unit, a connecting rod arm, expandable arms and a central occluding woven net. The upper clamp assemblies and the lower clamp assemblies are quantitatively identical and cooperate in opening and closing to form a clamping portion. The clamp can effectively occlude the regurgitation on two sides of the clamp through the expandable arms on the two sides. By means of the central occluding woven net, the clamp can further reduce the central regurgitation, decrease the stress on the leaflet and prevent the damage to the leaflet; and the clamp firmly closes the lower clamp assemblies in a mechanical locking manner, such that the clamp does not drop easily after implanted into the body. The clamp can be implanted through the femoral vein puncture and transseptal puncture (TSP) with minimal invasion, to repair the mitral valve.

Abstract: A system for implanting a repair device onto a native valve of a natural heart to repair the native valve of a patient during a non-open-heart procedure. The system includes a delivery catheter and a valve repair device. The valve repair device is disposed inside the delivery catheter. The valve repair device includes a pair of paddles and a pair of gripping members. The pair of paddles are movable between an open position and a closed position. The pair of paddles and the pair of gripping members are configured to secure the valve repair device to leaflets of the native valve. The pair of paddles are compressed inside the delivery catheter. Each paddle of the pair of paddles is configured to expand upon exiting the delivery catheter to increase the surface area of each paddle.

Abstract: In general, adaptive responses from smart packaging of drug delivery absorbable adjuncts and methods of using smart packaging of drug delivery absorbable adjuncts are provided.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, may generally comprise a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator, for example, releasably attached to a fastener cartridge and/or anvil by a flowable attachment portion. The flowable attachment portion may be indefinitely flowable. The flowable attachment portion may be flowable from the time that layer is installed to the fastener cartridge to the time in which the layer is implanted to patient tissue. The flowable attachment portion may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The flowable attachment portion may comprise an adhesive laminate comprising a base layer comprising the tissue thickness compensator and an adhesive layer on at least a portion of a surface of the base layer comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive. Articles of manufacture comprising flowable attachment portion and methods of making and using the flowable attachment portion are also described.

Abstract: Surgical stapling devices have a surgical buttress attached to an anvil jaw member, a cartridge jaw member, or both. The surgical buttress possesses a therapeutic layer of a therapeutic agent in a pattern thereon. The pattern may reflect various concentrations of a therapeutic agent, different therapeutic agents, or both.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating tissue may include one or more delivery devices, a grasping element, a first ring for anchoring to a wall of a gastrointestinal tract, and a second ring operably couplable to a radially inward surface of the first ring. Other embodiments include methods of treating tissues, including tubular tracts of tissue, comprising coupling a first ring to first tissue of a wall of a tissue tract, relocating a target tissue proximally to a position proximal to the first ring, coupling a second ring to the first ring, and cutting tissue proximal to the interface of the first and second rings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable, magnesium-containing bone screw for implanting into a patient body for use in medical applications, such as, orthopedic, craniofacial and cardiovascular surgery. The bone screw has a head, shaft and tip. The thickness of the head is greater than the thickness of conventional bone screws. The shaft includes both a non-threaded and a threaded portion. The tip is non-threaded and pointed, such as, conical in shape. The composition of the bone screws provide for improved biodegradability and biocompatibility, and the features of the structure of the bone screws facilitate guidance and placement during implantation as well as reduce the potential for mechanical failures.

Abstract: An endoscopic clip apparatus includes a clip sleeve defining an interior passage along a longitudinal axis and having a distal end with a plurality of openings defined in the distal end. A clip including a plurality of arms is disposed in the clip sleeve, and each arm includes a distal tip extending from the clip sleeve through one of the plurality of openings. Each arm includes a convex curved section oriented away from the longitudinal axis. The clip sleeve and clip are axially moveable relative to each other such that when the clip sleeve travels over the convex curved section of each arm toward the distal tip of each arm, each arm is constrained by the clip sleeve and each distal tip advances toward the longitudinal axis to grasp tissue.

Abstract: Implantable medical constructs formed by winding using winding support structures that can be flexible and can be integrated into the medical construct with biocompatible fiber(s) and/or yarn(s) and at least one continuous length collagen fiber. The implantable medical construct can include open suture anchor apertures formed using posts during a winding sequence.

Abstract: Devices, systems and/or methods for repairing soft tissue adjacent a soft tissue repair site. In one embodiment, a repair device includes an anchor member, a capture member and one or more flexible members. The anchor member includes a base with at least four legs extending integrally from the base, the at least four legs configured to be moveable from a straight first position to a formed second position. The capture member is configured to be coupled to the anchor member such that the at least four legs of the anchor member move around structural portions of the capture member with the at least four legs of the anchor member in the formed second position. The one or more flexible members are coupled to the base of the anchor member, the one or more flexible members extending at least partially along the base of the anchor member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming an anastomosis between two adjacent walls of a digestive tract are provided. The system can include first and second magnetic implants configured to magnetically couple through two adjacent walls of the digestive tract to compress a portion of the two adjacent walls therebetween and form a necrotic area that becomes surrounded by a scarred edge following a healing time period. The magnetic implant can include a magnetic member and a non-magnetic member. The system can include a retention member extending outwardly from a corresponding one of the first and second magnetic implants, the retention member being configured to retain the magnetic implants in position and prevent passage thereof through the necrotic area during the healing time period, and to maintain an engagement between the magnetic member and the non-magnetic member during the healing time period and enable disengagement thereof following the healing time period.

Abstract: An example medical system includes a medical device configured to join the edges of the leaflets together, an elongate body configured to be navigated through vasculature to a heart valve of patient, and a plurality of tissue engagement devices extending from a distal end of the elongate body, each tissue engagement device comprising at least one clamp configured to capture leaflets of the heart valve.

Abstract: High strength biomedical materials and processes for making the same are disclosed. Included in the disclosure are nanoporous hydrophilic solids that can be extruded with a high aspect ratio to make high strength medical catheters and other devices with lubricious and biocompatible surfaces. Polymers may be entrapped in pores of materials to provide a durable modification of the materials.

Abstract: An in-tube transit object that is inserted in a tube includes: a coil section formed by winding a wire; and a fiber section attached to an end on one side and an end on the other side in a winding-axis direction of the coil section. The coil section is formed with a large diameter section, through which fiber of the fiber section is inserted, at the end on the one side and the end on the other side, and is inserted in an extending state in the winding-axis direction when the in-tube transit object is inserted into the tube. The fiber section is configured to expand when seen in the winding-axis direction in the case where the in-tube transit object is inserted in the tube and then discharged from the tube, which brings the coil section into a compressed state in the winding-axis direction.

Abstract: A clipping device includes a clip including a capsule and a pair of clip arms, proximal ends of which are slidably received within the channel to move the clip arms between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Each of the pair of clip arms includes an elongated opening extending through the proximal ends thereof. A connector includes a central portion received between the proximal ends of the clip arms and a pin extending from the central portion receivable within the opening of each of the clip arms, the connector movable from an unlocked configuration, in which the pin is received within a distal portion of the elongated opening, to a locked configuration, in which the pin is received within a proximal portion of the elongated opening, when a predetermined force is applied thereto.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device that is configured to be implanted on the native leaflet of a heart valve to increase its length and/or thickness and thereby to improve the valve function and reduce regurgitation. The device may include a leaflet section. The leaflet section may include a central member. The central member may include a first portion, a second portion that opposes the first portion, and a base portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The first section may extend from the first portion and the second section may extend from the second portion. The device may include one or more engaging members extending from the central member at an angle with respect to the first section and the second section. The second section may be larger than the first section. The leaflet section may define a three-dimensional region or a bulge.

Abstract: A sutureless implant for replacing damaged natural chordae tendineae of a human or possibly animal heart, the implant including a distal implant part, a proximal implant part, and an artificial chord. The distal implant part is configured to fit in a lumen of an implant delivery device and includes a self-spreading portion spreading radially outside when the distal implant part is released from the lumen, the self-spreading portion being capable of anchoring the distal implant part in human muscle tissue. The proximal implant part is configured to fit in the lumen of the implant delivery device and comprises a self-spreading portion spreading radially outside when the proximal implant part is released from the lumen, the self-spreading portion being capable of bearing on a tissue portion of leaflet tissue. The distal implant part and the proximal implant part are connected by the chord.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: (a) at least one platform configured to be positioned between opposing first and second jaws of an end effector of a surgical stapler, wherein the at least one platform is configured to transition between a first state and a second state; (b) at least one adjunct element positioned on the at least one platform; (c) at least one detector configured to detect a predetermined portion of the end effector; and (d) a driver configured to selectively transition the at least one platform from the first state to the second state in a direction toward at least one of the first or second jaws when the at least one detector detects the predetermined portion of the end effector for placing the at least one adjunct element in contact with a corresponding surface of the at least one of the first or second jaws.

Abstract: Expandable absorbable implants have been developed that are suitable for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The implants can be implanted in the vicinity of a tissue expander, for example, by suturing to the detached edge of the pectoralis major muscle to function as a pectoralis extender, and used to form a sling for a tissue expander. The implants, which permit tissue-ingrowth and slowly degrade, can be expanded in the breast using a tissue expander in order to form a pocket for a permanent breast implant. After expansion, the tissue expander can be removed and replaced with a permanent breast implant. The expandable implants help reduce patient discomfort resulting from tissue expansion, and avoid the need to use allografts or xenografts to create the pocket for the tissue expander. The expandable absorbable implant preferably comprises poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymer thereof.

Abstract: A clipping system includes a clip having a pair of clip arms, proximal ends of the clip arms slidably received within a channel of a capsule to be moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A proximal end of the capsule including connecting tabs extending proximally therefrom. An applicator includes an elongated flexible member and a control member extending therethrough. The control member includes a distal end connected to the clip arms to move the clip assembly between the open and closed configurations. A distal end of the elongated flexible member includes a bushing including a first ramped surface, along which the connecting tabs slide along to engage a corresponding engaging feature of the bushing, and a second ramped surface proximal of the first ramped surface, the connecting tabs slidable along the second ramped surface to plastically deform toward a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A tissue clipping apparatus, comprises a flexible, elongate member, a proximal end of which remains external to the body accessible to a user while a distal end of the flexible member is inserted into the body to a location adjacent to target tissue to be clipped and a control wire extending through the flexible member in combination with a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and a clip a proximal portion of which is received within the capsule. A joint releasably coupling the clip to the control wire, includes a yoke extending around a proximal end of the clip and a frangible link which fails when subject to a predetermined force to separate the clip from the control wire.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous biomimetic scaffolds and methods for making the same. The scaffolds have graded pore sizes for enhanced cell penetration. The scaffolds are useful for wound regeneration by facilitating cell penetration into the scaffold interior and due to their inherent immunomodulatory effects. The scaffolds have tissue modeling specification by mimicking the inherent stratified structure of certain tissues.

Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of a hemostatic clip includes a handle assembly, a shaft connected to a distal portion thereof and a clip assembly releasably coupled to a distal portion of the shaft. The clip assembly includes clip arms and a capsule cooperating with the clip arms to provide a first user feedback indicating a decision configuration of the clip assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes a control wire including a ball connector, the control wire extending from the handle assembly and coupled to the clip assembly by the ball connector to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the shaft, wherein the ball connector is detachable from the clip assembly to provide a second user feedback indicating separation of the clip assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a plurality of securing devices. For example, the present disclosure includes securing devices comprising sutures, everting anchors, and inverting anchors. The sutures and anchors disclosed herein may be capable of deployment to a depth within a body lumen, such that body tissue external to the body lumen is not damaged by the devices. Moreover, in various embodiments, the securing devices described herein may couple one or more medical devices (e.g., stents, grafts, and/or stent-grafts) to body tissue such as a body lumen.

Abstract: A clip unit includes: an arm portion including arms extending from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion so as to be openable and closeable; a holder than can hold the arms in a closed state by accommodating the proximal end portion of the arm portion; and a thread grip attached to at least one of the arms and positioned between the arms. In a state where the arms are spread open, a dimension of the thread grip in the opening/closing direction of the arms is equal to or larger than a distance between the arms in the closed state. The thread can be elastically deformed in the closed state.

Abstract: Medical delivery system for accessing a tricuspid valve via an inferior vena cava, including an outer guide catheter, an inner guide catheter and an interventional catheter. The first deflection portion of the outer guide catheter is steerable to define a first outer-guide-catheter curve and the second deflection portion of the outer guide catheter is steerable to define a second outer-guide-catheter curve and the first deflection portion of the inner guide catheter is steerable to define a first inner-guide-catheter curve.

Abstract: A method of attaching a surgical suture inside of a pelvis includes moving an anchor deployment component relative to the anchor delivery component, pushing an anchor out of the anchor delivery component and into tissue inside of the pelvis, and engaging anchor with the tissue inside of the pelvis.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the treatment of cardiac valve dysfunction through the placement of lines and anchors. The lines and anchors can form artificial chordae between valve leaflets and the ventricular wall or papillary muscles or connect the two valve leaflets together. The methods and devices offer a mechanism for performing this technique with the heart still beating, and allows for the placement of multiple lines with a single device.

Abstract: A system and method for nerve decompression comprise a knife unit having a parallel upper limb and lower limb terminating proximally at the cap of the tubular sheath and a triangular shaped surgical cutting blade disposed vertically in between the upper limb and the lower limb. Upper limb and lower limb extend distally beyond the cutting blade and have open slots to facilitate proper positioning and engaging of the tissue while allowing visualization of less routing structure. The knife receives the probe head of an endoscope just behind cutting blade for proper visualization and illumination. The guiding system comprises a handle unit and a pair of parallel guides with long open slots that act as a cannula of adjustable diameter. The open slots on parallel guides facilitate 360 degree visualization of the surroundings and also prevent derailing of endoscopic knife unit while passing through it.

Abstract: A gastric diverter and a digestive tract support and a release method thereof. The digestive tract support has undeployed shape and deployed shape, and includes upper support, lower support and connecting member. In the deployed shape, a first opening is provided at top of the upper support, a second opening is provided at bottom thereof, and the lower support is disposed below the upper support; a third opening is provided at top of the lower support, a fourth opening is provided at bottom thereof, and the upper support and the lower support are connected by a plurality of connecting members; the fourth opening of the lower support is connected to a membrane tube, the deployed upper support and lower support both cannot pass through an open gastric pyloric orifice, and the connecting members can pass through the gastric pyloric orifice or be placed at the gastric pyloric orifice.

Abstract: A system includes a core and a catheter for use with (A) a first atrial arm and a first ventricular arm articulatable with respect to each other at a first articulation site to clamp one leaflet of a patient's native heart valve, and (B) a second atrial arm and a second ventricular arm articulatable with respect to each other at a second articulation site to clamp another native leaflet of the native valve. The core tapers in a distal direction toward its smallest perimeter, defining a minimum nonzero angle of the atrial arms with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the core. The catheter advances the core and the arms toward the native valve. The catheter and the core have an advancement configuration in which the smallest perimeter of the core is adjacent to the first and second articulation sites. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a warp-knitted fabric and a medical material that can be simultaneously extended in all directions by causing thread made of a second bioabsorbable material to be absorbed in a living body over time and in which the degree of extension can be increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine, in particular, to gynecology and urology, namely, to for ligature delivery system for axial fixation of pelvic floor structures in pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Ligature delivery system for axial fixation of pelvic floor structures in pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence consisting of the mesh material that is woven from a non-biodegradable and biodegradable monofilament threads, according to the invention so that non-biodegradable threads are arranged along to the implant axis and are not linked with each other. The technical effect is providing the axial support that is physiological for apical structures of pelvic floor and minimizing risks of mesh-associated postsurgical complications.

Abstract: A method is provided, including treating a heart valve of a patient by implanting at the heart valve an implant including an elongate element including at least in part a tension element, by placing the implant at the heart valve of the patient, and subsequently to the placing, increasing tension of the elongate element at least in part. The tension element is configured to undergo conformational changes, subsequently to the placing, responsively to a cardiac cycle of the patient. Implanting the implant includes implanting the implant such that the tension element undergoes the conformational changes responsively to the cardiac cycle of the patient in a manner in which the tension element cyclically increases and decreases pressure applied to at least one leaflet of the heart valve by the elongate element.

Abstract: A device includes a capsule along with first and second clip arms, proximal ends of which are received within the channel so that the first and second clip arms are movable relative to one another between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A deployment mechanism includes a tension member connected to a proximal end of the first and second arms, a yoke releasably coupled to the tension member and longitudinally movable relative to the capsule to move the first and second arms between the open and closed configurations. The tension member and yoke are configured to separate from one another in response to a predetermined proximal force relative to the tension member. A locking mechanism is coupled to the deployment mechanism and is configured to engage the capsule to lock the one-piece clipping element in the closed configuration, when the yoke is separated from the tension member.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical methods, devices, apparatus, and systems for supporting the thumb of a patient after basal joint arthroplasty. The embodiments of the invention comprise at least one index metacarpal anchor, at least one thumb metacarpal anchor, at least one sling for positioning the thumb metacarpal anchor relative to the index metacarpal anchor, and at least one anchor washer for tightening and securing the sling(s) without the need to tie the suture(s) components of the sling(s) into knots. Index and thumb metacarpal anchors comprise at least one bone-engaging element for engaging the respective metacarpal. The anchor washer may incorporate one or more sling-engagement mechanisms.

Abstract: A deployment device for positioning a soft tissue repair prosthesis includes a self-expanding support body releasably attachable to the prosthesis. The support body may be removably insertable into a pocket of the prosthesis. A handle coupled to the support body facilitates positioning the patch and/or removal of the support body from the pocket. The support body may substantially occupy the pocket in an expanded configuration. The handle may be arranged to direct a pulling force to the outer peripheral edge of the support body and/or cause a portion thereof to be pulled downward and below the body during withdrawal of the deployment device from the prosthesis. The support body may include support segments pivotally coupled together and foldable to collapse the support body for insertion into and removal from the pocket. One or more resilient support members may be provided for collapsing and expanding the support body and the prosthesis.